From cleaning out stables and yards to feeding, grooming, saddling and riding, strappers are an integral part of a successful racing team and build very special connections with the horses they care for.
Rosie Jilla is based at Brad Widdup’s Hawkesbury stables and strapped Icebath, winner of the Group 1 TAB Empire Rose Stakes. Jilla is an accomplished eventer and began competing at the age of 14. Just over six years ago, she joined the racing industry as a trackwork rider.
Rosie Jilla readily admits she was not a ‘morning’ person, but that changed when a friend suggested she try trackwork. After years in the eventing world, Jilla wasn’t sure she’d fit into the racing world – but she’s never looked back.
“I learned how to ride racehorses and the racing industry became an addiction. I fell in love with the thoroughbreds – they are amazing animals and racing has taken over my life,” she said.
Jilla has been riding since she was two years old and began eventing as a teenager.
Originally from London, a gap year in Australia 11 years ago never ended and Jilla began working as a groom with elite-level eventers. She also worked with off-the-track thoroughbred Done ‘n’ Dusted, and took him to the highest four-star level of eventing.
The switch to racing has been a positive move for Jilla and the career change has also introduced her to the ‘love of her life’, Icebath.
“I’ve been riding her since she was a yearling and it has been a long journey that I am very grateful for. She’s quirky and one of the most intelligent horses I’ve ever worked with. She’s also very sassy!”
Jilla was confident about Icebath’s chances at the TAB Empire Rose Stakes.
“She was very fresh. I cantered her around Flemington and she felt amazing. At the races she was cool, calm and collected and she delivered that day. I have bad eyesight so I struggle watching the race live, but my partner was next to me and a gap opened up and my partner was saying, ‘She’s coming, she’s coming, she’s going to win’ and when she got over the line I couldn’t stop crying. I was so happy for her that she got the Group 1 she deserved.”
