By MIKE DILLON
Angela Hunt has a new perspective on jockeys.
Hunt had the thrill of her life riding her first winner yesterday, in her eighth raceday ride at Te Rapa, but a year or so back the 21-year-old had a different view of racing.
"When people told me I should be a jockey, I said: 'Aren't jockeys those little people?'
"They said: 'Look in the mirror, Angela'."
"I'd wanted to be a vet nurse, but I decided that was too ho-hum."
Hunt's first race was last year for her initial boss, Pukekohe trainer Neville Monoghan, and she did not get another mount until February 22.
"I signed up with Sheila Laxon to try and increase my riding opportunities and it's been great," said Hunt, after landing 50-1 chance Regal Aayre in the Colour Works 1600.
Hunt says variety is the real appeal of racing. "You really never know what's going to happen."
"I'm on a real buzz from riding this winner and I will be all week, or maybe even until I ride my next winner."
Perhaps because she started later and has a little more mental maturity, Hunt does not make the same mistake as some green apprentices by trying to do more than her experience allows.
Racing: Jockeys grow in stature
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