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By Ray Hickson

Rising Star winner Mollie Fitzgerald says she’s stoked to have her name on the honour roll of the annual apprentice series and hopes she can rise to the heights of previous winners.

Among them are Everest winning hoop Sam Clipperton, Group 1 winners Jay Ford and Andrew Adkins while last year’s Rising Star Anna Roper has taken the next step into the metropolitan ranks this season.

Runners-up in the series include the likes of Tommy Berry, Tim Clark, Robbie Dolan, Dylan Gibbons, Blake Spriggs and Reece Jones.

Mollie Fitzgerald presented with her Rising Star trophy by Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy apprentice development manager Vanessa Beck (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The 22-year-old was unable to win the final race of the series, on board Idolised for Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, run at Hawkesbury on Thursday but had a healthy lead over runner-up Siena Grima going into the race.

“It’s really exciting, it was a goal of mine at the start of the series to be able to win it,’’ Fitzgerald said.

“I’m thankful that Annabel and Rob, and the owners, put a horse in the race for me. She raced a little bit flat so hopefully she’s all okay.

“I did have a win in the series for Annabel and Rob which was a nice feeling.

“It’s a really good initiative as an apprentice, there’s good competition around it and to look back on the honour roll there’s been some top jockeys on the list. It’s good to have my name on there.”

Ben Osmond won the final race of the series on Peace Centre for Anthony and Sam Freedman.

Now the Rising Star series has concluded, Fitzerald said her immediate goal is to reduce her claim from 3kg and continue to ride well.

Of course, she’s the daughter of former jockey Mal Fitzgerald and was given a pleasant surprise when he was on course at Hawkesbury to see her take out the title.

“He’s been my coach and mentor throughout this as well as my dad so it was really nice to have him here,’’ she said.

First run in 2000, it’s the 26th running of the annual Rising Star Series which is open to NSW and ACT indentured apprentices who are enrolled at Racing NSW Apprentice Schools.

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