Young apprentice jockey Holly Nottle experiencing incredible run after starting career just a month ago

Carnarvon and Port Hedland are a long way from the Wheatbelt farm where Holly Nottle grew up, but that’s exactly where the promising apprentice jockey is making her mark. Nottle grew up on a grain farm in Kweda, spending her free-time alternating between helping out on the farm and riding “full bore” in the paddock on the back of her horse. Nottle said she has fold memories on growing up on the 3500ha property. “You always felt so free on the farm . . . I had my horses out there so I was just riding around in the paddocks and exploring the bush area — it was just really nice out there,” she said. “I liked learning everything from seeding to harvesting and all in between too. “Dad didn’t have any sons so I got to do all of the hard jobs with him.” Despite her farming background and her history of riding horses, it wasn’t until as recently as a few years ago that the 21-year-old had any connection with racing. That came only in the past few years when she began a casual employment with the famous Kersley family, starting with trackwork. The Kersley name is synonymous with harness racing in WA. Nottle attributes becoming an apprentice to her experiences at the Kulin Bush Races, a family-friendly event held annually in October which is known to sell-out within minutes. The 2024 event sold out in just 38 seconds. “Probably the only reason I really fell into becoming an apprentice is because I went to those races from when I was old enough,” she said. “But I guess growing up on the farm, being able to just go full ball in the paddock on my horse was a part of it too. “I just liked going really fast and running around the paddock.” Nottle was offered her first race ride from boss and leading trainer Greg Kersley aboard Buckland at Pinjarra on May 28, reining the galloper into second place. Three weeks later, she was rewarded with her first winner as the Kersley-trained Leetron led all the way. She rode a double at Port Hedland two days later and another brace at Carnarvon less than a week on. She bagged a Northam winner in between for good measure. Further success at Kalgoorlie on June 29 took her tally to seven victories from her past 24 rides, with only a weighting mishap reducing that number from eight. “I didn’t think this is how my career would start,” she said. “It’s been different. I definitely haven’t had this much attention before, so I don’t really know how to feel about it all. “I actually really enjoy riding on the dirt. Port Hedland would be my favourite track because it goes to grass in the straight; I like that change. “It was really hard at the start. I’ve noticed a few people that weren’t answering my calls are now starting to answer. “A few people ring and ask if I can ride, so that makes me feel good. “I still think I’ve got a lot to learn and I definitely think it’s a challenge riding against the other jockeys that are really good and at a top level. But my confidence is definitely growing.” Despite hailing from a family of farmers and fishermen, it should come as no surprise that Nottle has an aptitude for racing given her lifelong affinity with horses. “I did a lot of gymkhanas and ag shows where you do a lot of jumping,” she said. “In the last five years, I was competing in rodeos around WA. Barrel racing and steer decorating where you get a ribbon off the steer’s back. “If you’re barrel racing, it’s the thrill of going really fast and taking quick turns. It’s the same with racing; going really fast and making quick decisions as you go.” Nottle’s parents, Brad and Kylie, have since sold the farm where they were growing wheat, barley, lupins and hay — the majority of which they exported — but remain on the property and part of the Wheatbelt community, while Nottle is now based in Perth.