3 minute read
After almost 17 years since her last ride, Kasi Boxall makes her return to the Tasmanian jockey ranks in Hobart on Sunday.
Kasi Boxall hasn't ridden in a race since October 2007 but is keen to jump back aboard; she will ride April's Dance for Rhonda Hall in the opening event.
"I originally finished race riding to become a mum, I've got two children, (Nicholas 16 and Bella 10).
"I've been riding trackwork, trials, and jumpouts. I was clerk of the course for three years. I did leave racing altogether for three years and became a dental nurse, but I missed racing so much I had to go back," Boxall explained.
"I only had a month of my apprenticeship to go when I became pregnant, so I decided to become a mum and put racing aside.
"I've been working for Stuart (Gandy) for 10 years, so that's been really good. They're lovely people to work for, very laid-back, and they know I have a family of my own. But I've always wanted to come back and race ride, and I thought now's my opportunity."
The 36-year-old says her children are now old enough for her to make a return, and although he was a little reluctant at first, Boxall says her partner David Pires is now 100% behind her in getting back on track.
"He wasn't a fan to start off with to be honest, but he's warmed up to the idea and he's been really supportive and really helpful."
Boxall started her career with Devonport-based trainer Leon Wells, where she spent about 12 months before homesickness saw her return to the south.
"She was a good little kid; she used to go alright, very light; I wish her well in her comeback," Wells said.
Upon her return home, Boxall made her way to Dave Brunton's stables at Seven Mile Beach.
"I loved a horse I rode for David called Karaka Angus. I won four in a row on him; he was quite a character.
"It was really exciting to have an association with a horse like him who tried so hard, and I was able to ride him throughout his career here in Tasmania; he was beautiful."
A natural lightweight, Boxall tips the scales at just 46kg and will be a welcome boost to the jockey ranks here in Tasmania, but can she make a winning return?
"She's a nice little horse (April's Dance). I think she will come on a lot bigger and better this prep; she's drawn really well, and she'll go forward, so hopefully, she gets a really nice run throughout, and is right there at the finish."
You can watch Kasi's comeback ride on TasracingTV with hosted coverage from Matt Reid and Richard Robinson. The first event is at 12:18.
My best bet for Sunday is race 2 Let's Messaround from the John Blacker stable.
