Jockey says she can win her 'own race' after reckless ride sees boyfriend stood down

Jockey Anna Jordsjo. Photo / Getty

The jockey whose boyfriend steered his horse into the path of two rivals set to beat her in a bid to protect her lead during a weekend race has told friends, "I can win my own race."

Norwegian-born Anna Jordsjo, 21, is "not in a great place" after Josh Cartwright's unprecedented move on South Australia's Morphettville track on Saturday, which could see him facing a lengthy ban.

Cartwright's move, crashing into two other horses, helped Ms Jordsjo's mount, and $4 favourite, Murti, win the race.

The 22-year-old Victorian jockey, who was stood down after admitting he rode recklessly, will face a steward's inquiry with Thoroughbred Racing South Australia this week.

Jordsjo's trainer Gordon Richards said his apprentice was "upset" and firmly believes she can win a race without her talented boyfriend's help.

"She's very upset, because he's upset. She's all for winning and if she has success that's great but not at any cost," he said.

"She is not chuffed that her boyfriend did that in her favour, if he did do it (for that reason), because there are rules that have to be followed."

"He's not in a great place therefore she's not in a great place. She really feels for him."
Jordsjo was tight lipped about her boyfriend's reckless act of chivalry.

"I honestly don't know what happened, or if I will be part of the inquiry. Until it (the inquiry) comes out I can't say anything," she said.

Riding $51 outsider Senior Council, Cartwright, was 200m from home and could be seen glancing over his right shoulder as rival horses lined up outside him to chase race leader Murti.

He aimed his horse towards the outside rail in an apparent attempt to block the paths of favoured pair Go The Journey, ridden by Matthew Poon, and House Of Wax. House Of Wax's jockey Jason Holder was briefly dislodged from the saddle.

Jordsjo's horse won the race by a half-length with Go The Journey finishing fifth, 1.4 lengths behind the winner, while House Of Wax ran seventh.

Thoroughbred Racing SA chief steward Johan Petzer confirmed he had spoken to Cartwright late on Saturday to check on his welfare, as he had considered the incident as "out of character".

"We need to look at other factors in relation to this race, betting in particular, but also there are some other matters that may or may not have substance that may be related to the matter," he told Radio TAB.

It is understood Cartwright is friends with Holder and apologised after the race.

Cartwright, who was fined $500 in 2015 when he tried to steal a rival rider's whip during a race, sought professional health advice on Monday, with Australian Jockeys' Association former chairman Ross Inglis saying the jockey should be given some space.

"He is not travelling well, understandably," Inglis said. "I'm not comfortable with people slamming him at this stage as the ramifications are such that they could be serious," he said.

This article was originally published by The Daily Telegraph