From a young age living in regional New South Wales, Violet Soulsby always idolised jockeys and fantasised about making her own way into the riding ranks when she was old enough.

Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup has burst out of the blocks to start the 2024-25 racing term.

Trainer Les Gordy is hopeful former barrier rogue Captain Bond can stake a claim for the Cleveland Bay Handicap during the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival when the four-year-old tackles the Open Handicap at Townsville on Thursday.

A pair of Group 1-winning riders have labelled Gold Coast hoop Jag Guthmann-Chester as the most underrated jockey in the Sunshine State.

Townsville trainer Les Gordy saddled his first Brisbane starter in the Country Stampede at Doomben earlier this month and now hopes to book a return trip south for the $500,000 Magic Million Country Cup with Captain Bond at the Gold Coast on January 13.