South Australian Libby Hopwood celebrated the biggest thrill of her career when she wore Sheikh Mohammed's colours to victory in an apprentices only race at Canterbury.The 21-year-old gained an inside run aboard Norteno ($6.50) to take out the second heat of the National Apprentice Series, the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre Hcp (1550m), to claim just her second metropolitan win.West Australian Chloe Chatfield was a neck second on Bentley Ess ($31) who had led most of the way while Sydney's Mitche

South Australian Libby Hopwood celebrated the biggest thrill of her career when she wore Sheikh Mohammed's colours to victory in an apprentices only race at Canterbury.

The 21-year-old gained an inside run aboard Norteno ($6.50) to take out the second heat of the National Apprentice Series, the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre Hcp (1550m), to claim just her second metropolitan win.

West Australian Chloe Chatfield was a neck second on Bentley Ess ($31) who had led most of the way while Sydney's Mitchell Beadman was a long head third on The Fangsta ($18).

The horses were drawn by ballot and Hopwood said it was somewhat nerve-wracking when she found out which one she had drawn.

"I had to pinch myself when I was told I was riding for the sheikh," Hopwood said.

"But I knew I was on the right horse from the right barrier and I just had to keep it together and wait for the run to come."

Trainer Peter Snowden applauded the concept of the series which selects apprentices from all over the country, not just the leaders in each state.

"The whole incentive is great," Snowden said.

"Before the race Libby couldn't stop looking at the colours and I told her just to enjoy the experience and not be overawed by it.

"For her to come over here and ride this way of going for the first time and win is wonderful for her.

"They have selected a broad range of young riders to compete, not just the top ones, and it's great to be a part of it."

Hopwood left university to take up a career in racing.

"I worked as a stablehand to help pay for uni where I was studying archaeology and forensic science," she said.

"I loved it so much I decided to get my apprenticeship.

"I've gone from a potential career as a scientist to picking up horse poo - it's great."

Hopwood said Victoria Derby-winning jockey Clare Lindop was an inspiration to all female riders.

"Whenever any of us feel like the girls are being put down, Clare tells us to get out there and work harder," she said.

"She is a great inspiration."

It was a good day for apprentices with three of the other six races on the program taken out by junior riders with Daniel Ganderton, Jamie Quinnell and Nathan Berry all winners despite finishing out of the placings in the junior riders' race.

However, Ganderton's day was soured by a reprimand and a one-week suspension for careless riding.

Veteran trainer Les Bridge also found himself in the unusual situation of being on the wrong side of stewards when Sir Wally, who finished second to Rangirangdoo in the opening event, was presented to race wearing heavy work shoes after a mix-up by the farrier.

Sir Wally's front shoes were replaced while he raced barefoot behind with Bridge fined $400 for what was his first such offence in a long and distinguished training career.