Kath weighs in after another win in the NSW Western Districts - Courtesy of Janian McMillan Racing Photography.
Great to catch up with one of Australia’s ever increasing number of female jockeys. The lady with a name that catches the eye is 37 years old and could be the nation’s oldest apprentice. Kath Bell-Pitomac talks about the gruelling travelling she undertakes to ride at meetings all over the state.
Kath reminisces about her nomadic childhood. She talks of early days in South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Horses were always her chief interest.
She recalls her first introduction to racehorses at Pioneer Park racetrack Alice Springs.
Kath recalls her first job as a professional trackwork rider.
She talks of a move to Newcastle and the trainer who signed her to an apprenticeship.
The mature age apprentice remembers her early winners and the beginning of her relationship with the fellow jockey who would become her husband.
Kath looks back on her break away from racing. She lost the desire completely and didn’t ride a racehorse for ten years.
She talks of her return to trackwork at Wellington (NSW). Slowly the passion returned and she began a new career as an amateur jockey.
It wasn’t long before she got her weight down and re applied for her professional licence. Kath talks openly about her horror run of accidents, the extent of her many injuries and the frustrating months out of the saddle.
The thirty seven year old acknowledges her favourite horses and favourite races.
Bell-Pitomac pays tribute to the special people who’ve inspired her to pursue a lifelong passion for horses, including her dedicated manager.
The remarkable horse person talks of husband Daniel and two wonderful kids - the son and daughter who look forward to the fashions in the field promotions at country race meetings.
(Banner image - Kath drives Pitapat to the line to win at Gunnedah 12/09/2020 - Image Courtesy of Bradley Photographers.)
A Moree win on For Da Boys 3/10/2020 - Courtesy of Bradley Photographers.
Another angle of Pitapat winning at Gunnedah in front of a sparse crowd 12/09/2020 - Courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Even a win at the picnics is reason to smile! Here’s Kath after a win on Unshinkable at Young 2017 - Courtesy of Bradley Photographers.
Kath’s son Marcus is regular in the young man’s category of the fashions in the field at country race meetings - Courtesy Janian McMillan Racing Photography.