Hunter’s Alice Springs venture

Albany jockey Casey Hunter is soaking up the experience of a riding stint in the Northern Territory, and has already ridden a winner at the picturesque course in the lead-up to the 2019 Alice Springs Carnival.

Hunter took up an offer recently to join Alice Springs-based trainer Dick Leech and has ridden at the past three meetings at the Alice Springs Turf Club, in the foothills of the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges.

Now a senior hoop, Hunter has ridden 10 winners this season and her most recent was aboard Golden Dice on March 9 for Leech in her current surroundings.

In three meetings on the Alice Springs dirt, the 24-year-old has chalked up one winner and three minor placings and said the experience had been worthwhile.

“It was something different and a new opportunity,” Hunter said.

“The stable here is fairly big and I get most of the rides.

“It’s very different (the environment), hot, dry and dusty compared to home and the style of riding is different, so you have to adapt to that.

“I just thought it was a good opportunity and I’ve always wanted to travel around a bit and, now that I’m a senior, I can.”

The Alice Springs Carnival is from April 13 through to May 6, and is the last meeting of the season at the venue. Hunter said she hoped to ride in the bigger races.

“I’ll go home after the carnival,” she said.

“They have cup week and a sprint day as well.

“There is a few big races and it’s a good chance to ride in some bigger races, but I’m just taking it week by week.”

Hunter, who has 100 career winners to her name, will ride Viotti and He’s All White at Alice Springs on Saturday.