Tegan Harrison is one of Queensland’s leading female jockey’s. She risen the ranks very quickly, winning numerous awards across her short career. Winner of Provincial Apprentice Jockey of the Year in 2011, winner of the of Provincial Apprentice Jockey and Provincial Jockey of the Year 2012 and the Metropolitan Apprentice Jockey of the Year 2013 and 2014 and currently sits 3rd on the Brisbane Metropolitan Jockeys Championship.
Based on the Gold Coast, she is incredibly dedicated to her sport and loves everything about what she does, spending her spare time helping her long term partner Ben Hull working in his stables.
I’ve been lucky enough to be there at the start of Tegan’s career, way back when she rode our very first horse Geneva Gold back in 2010/2011, and have enjoyed watching her just excel at everything she turns her hand to.
Which horse has given you the most success?
Temple of Boom Winning the Victory Stakes (Group 2) enabled me to have the opportunity to run two close seconds in Group 1 events which although disappointing to have not won this gave me a lot of public recognition. However every horse you ride teaches you something to prepare you for the next one so they are all special.
What is your life motto?
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
What or who inspired you to be a jockey?
Being a country girl I got the racing bug really early on and the rest is history.
What do you love best about being a jockey?
Horses 🙂 riding has always been a big part of my life, it’s just so great to have my hobby as a career.
Your partner, ex jockey Ben Hull, is now a trainer and is doing quite well with his horses, do you get to help him out much?
I really enjoy going to the stables to help Ben with his horses. Believe it or not it’s quite relaxing to spend one on one time with them doing the chores that most jockeys don’t get to do. It’s good to go down and appreciate the work behind the scenes that gets these lovely animals to the races.
What time do you get up in the morning and how long is your day?
For me it varies, I go to Brisbane twice a week so they are very early starts, on the road by 2:30am and some days I don’t get home until after lunch. I get to sleep in a bit later when I’m at the Gold Coast for track work. Because I ride at races most days it’s a very busy schedule.
If you could have any 3 people over for dinner, dead or alive, who would they be?
My Nan, who passed away not that long ago, was a fabulous cook. I’d love to have her back for tea, Ben, believe it or not he’s a pretty good cook and My Aunty Vicky makes the best desserts ever so if I had those three it would be a 5 star restaurant … oh were you referring to the company 😛 haha
If you weren’t a jockey what would you be?
I was studying nursing at uni prior to becoming a jockey. I really enjoyed my role as a nurse in an aged care facility for 2 years. I would be a nurse if not a jockey because I love caring for people.
How do you like to spend your free time?
What’s that? …. I have a pony I like the beach and shops too.
What’s your dream holiday escape?
Lawrence NSW… my home town nothing like going home for a holiday.
