Former jockey Kelly Purdy wanted a career as a horse acupuncturist after quitting the saddle last year but instead she'll be chasing her first metropolitan winner as a trainer with Warrior Girl at Doomben.Warrior Girl, who lines up in Saturday's Listed Sky Racing Nudgee Handicap (1200m), was previously trained by Maryann Thexton.The four-year-old had her first start for Purdy second-up this campaign when seventh in the Bat Out Of Hell at the Gold Coast on New Year's Day.Purdy grabbed the opportu

Former jockey Kelly Purdy wanted a career as a horse acupuncturist after quitting the saddle last year but instead she'll be chasing her first metropolitan winner as a trainer with Warrior Girl at Doomben.

Warrior Girl, who lines up in Saturday's Listed Sky Racing Nudgee Handicap (1200m), was previously trained by Maryann Thexton.

The four-year-old had her first start for Purdy second-up this campaign when seventh in the Bat Out Of Hell at the Gold Coast on New Year's Day.

Purdy grabbed the opportunity to train six months ago when the chance arose and now has six horses in work at the Gold Coast.

From her 10 starters, Purdy has trained one winner at Caloundra and six placings.

"I still love riding but I just wanted a change," Purdy said.

"Everything was going well in my career as a jockey but I'd been riding for 26 years and was feeling stale.

"I started a course studying horse acupuncture but I never finished it when the opportunity came to train a horse.

"I'd never thought I'd say it but I'm really enjoying training and I'm going to give it a go.

"I can always return to the acupuncture course in the future if need be."

Purdy was no household name in the jockeys' ranks but she did capture the headlines 12 months ago when she won the Magic Millions Sprint (1000m) on Warrior Girl at the Gold Coast.

"I've got no idea how many winners I rode. I lost count after I reached 300," she said.

Purdy attempted a rare feat with Warrior Girl by trying to win a second Magic Millions Sprint earlier this month but this time as a trainer.

However, Lady Luck did not smile on Purdy as Warrior Girl, ridden by apprentice Jana Piper, finished a valiant fifth to Toowoomba flyer Temple Of Boom.

"She was very unlucky in the Magic Millions. Jana lost her irons 200 metres out and ran out of room," Purdy said.

"I'd be rapt if Warrior Girl could win on Saturday. I don't think it's been done where a jockey has won a feature race on a horse and then won a Listed race as a trainer a year later.

"I think she's got a great chance and I'll give her one more run before a break and then I may take her to Sydney."

Barrier problems have meant Warrior Girl has only started seven times for two wins and a placing.

"Her behaviour is her biggest problem. She's a real rogue behind the barriers," Purdy said.

"She's a problem child and is well known for it but she could be a really good mare if she can overcame those problems."