For Kasie, it is in the blood

Kasie Stanley (right) on Wilmacolo in the Maiden Plate (1400m)at the Lismore races on Saturday, her first race ride.

Marc Stapelberg

KASIE STANLEY has a fair reputation to uphold.

Her father Peter won a Northern Rivers apprentice jockeys’ premiership in the 1980s and her brother Justin did the same earlier this decade.

Peter went overseas and became the leading rider in India; Justin has added Gold Coast and Brisbane apprentices premierships to his resume.

Now it’s Kasie’s turn.

The 23-year-old lightweight kicked off her race riding career at Lismore on Saturday and if her father is half as good a judge as he was a rider, the newest Stanley on the scene is set for a long career.

“She rides really neat,” Peter Stanley said.

“Kasie has a much prettier style than Justin and if she can keep at it she will make a career for sure.”

On Kasie’s side is her size.

Peter, now a trainer, always struggled with weight and Justin, 29, still does.

But the finer of the family is a natural lightweight, about 45kg, and won’t have to fight that battle.

“I think Kasie and Justin ride as well as each other but Kasie has the advantage of not having to waste like Justin does,” he said.

Peter Stanley has now successfully ushered both of his offspring into the jockeying ranks – racing is the life blood of the family.

Wife Dianne is secretary of the Casino Racing Club and also does her bit around the stables.

“It’s great having a family-run stable,” Peter Stanley said.

“Obviously there are a few arguments – there are three bosses instead of one – but we all pitch in and get the job done.”

Justin is plying his trade in South East Queensland where he is a leading rider on the Gold Coast – but for Kasie it is now a waiting game.

Dad hopes to have a ride for her at the Casino Cup meeting on August 15 but he knows only too well that opportunities for apprentices can be few and far between.

“We just need to find a horse fast enough to win a race for her and then we can try to build some momentum,” he said.

“But for now we will just be easing her into it.”