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By Dimity Maher

Apprentice jockey Carly Frater-Hill’s wide-smile after her victory aboard Arroyo Grande at Wagga on Tuesday accentuates her philosophy to enjoy all her successes in the sport.

Completing her apprenticeship under Canberra trainer Neil Osborne, Frater-Hill’s career has been far from smooth sailing. She suffered a horror fall at Wagga in 2014 and another during track work in February of last year, sidelining her for nine months.

“When I came back, I knew I just had to give it my best shot,” Frater-Hill said. “I’ve been very fortunate to come back to work and been supported by a great boss in Neil Osborne. He has given me plenty of opportunities.”

“I’ve had lots of injuries but I’ve just got back into it and keep getting back up and trying my best and it makes you a little bit tougher.”

Scottish-born Frater-Hill has plenty of idols in the sport, naming Corey Brown and Hugh Bowman as two of her favourite jockeys.

“I got a photo with Corey Brown and I actually beat Hugh Bowman once at Bathurst last year.”

“I look at jockeys like Kathy O’Hara, who’s won plenty of group and listed races and think it would be great to reach her level.”

If Frater-Hill’s early successes are any indication of how her career will pan out, her dream of racing in the city will certainly become a reality. The 30-year-old already has already notched up 14 wins in 2017 and gets a chance on Sunday at Wellington to add to that total with three solid rides.

“I’ve got some really nice rides on Sunday and it’s great to be supported by local trainers, who’ve stood by me.”

“I’m just excited and really looking forward to riding against good jockeys and the experience I will get out of it.”

Sky Mission looks to be the best of her engagements in race three for trainer Rob Potter. This 6-year-old gelding won over 1000m at Canberra back in January with Frater-Hill aboard and will get a softer run from the inside barrier.

Frater-Hill will also be aboard Kopaonik for Mick Miladinovic in race two and Run Cannon Run for Mark Schmetzer in race six. View the fields, form and race replays for Wellington here.