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Jess Del Frari won the final Rising Star Series Heat at Goulburn on February 16, saluting the judge with Bobby's Secret for trainer Melissa Harrison.

After placing second in the final Heat, Jasper Franklin extended his pointscore and has been crowned the 2022/23 Rising Star Series Champion.

Franklin accumulated 33 series points over the 16 Heats, which included a victory at Taree on December 18th.

Apprentice Jasper Franklin (Pic: Bradley Photos)

“It was one of my goals to win this Series after trying hard to compete last season but didn’t have much luck,” he said.

The 19-year-old ensured he had every chance to win and travelling was not an issue.

“I was having to travel six hours or more from Coffs Harbour to Scone, Tamworth and Warwick Farm,” Franklin said.

“After the first two heats I saw myself in a winnable position but was mindful that to beat the likes of Dylan Gibbons and Tyler Schiller that I would have to travel a bit.

“Once I won the Taree heat (December 18th) I started to believe I could win this.”

The Rising Star Series, which was launched in 1999/2000, is open to NSW and ACT indentured apprentice riders and has an honour roll including Jenny Duggan, Mikayla Weir, Andrew Adkins and Sam Clipperton.

Grafton hosted the first Heat of the 2022/23 Series on November 2nd and 45 apprentice jockeys have already contested the 15 Heats run across New South Wales.

Racing NSW Head Jockey Coach, Corey Brown, said the Rising Star Series is a good launching pad for apprentice jockeys to further their careers.

“I think it’s a really great concept for the kids,” Brown said.

“It’s pleasing that they all get involved and bounce off one another throughout the Series.

“The feedback that I’ve had from all apprentices this year, especially the frontrunners Jasper and Shayleigh, has been promising and its just been a great competition for all riders.”

FINAL POINTSCORE (Top 10):
Jasper Franklin 33
Shayleigh Ingelse 21
Dylan Gibbons 20
Tyler Schiller 20
Molly Bourke 20
Amy McLucas 16
Georgina McDonnell 14
Braith Nock 12
Ellen Hennessy 11
Damon Budler 10