August 2026

A landmark month for our team: Bella recognised on Queensland racing's biggest night, Jasper entering the senior ranks, and encouraging signs across the entire roster.

2026 Provincial Premiership winners, including apprentice jockey Bella Youngberry — Cover storyProvincial Premiership Apprentice Jockey

The month's leading story

Bella's season recognised on Queensland racing's biggest night.

Seeing Bella crowned Provincial Premiership Apprentice Jockey at the 2026 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards was the clear highlight of August.

To watch Bella receive that award was a proud moment. It was recognition for a season built on consistency, professionalism and a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

Her August results backed that up. Bella had 60 rides for 12 wins, seven seconds and five thirds, giving her a 20% win strike rate and a 40% place strike rate. At Ipswich alone, she rode seven winners during the month at a 145% return on investment.

I am especially grateful for the support Bella continues to receive from some of the strongest stables in the state, including Gollan, Campton and Clark-Peoples. That trust is helping her keep improving and has her very well placed going into spring.

Bella Youngberry holding her award alongside Ryan Crawford at the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards — Bella Youngberry and Ryan Crawford at the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards.

Bella YoungberryAugust at a glance

60
Rides: 12
Wins: 7
Seconds: 5
Thirds: 20%
Win strike rate: 40%
Place strike rate

Ipswich · August7 winners145% ROI

Across the roster

Rider updates.

There was plenty happening beyond the headline result. Here is how I saw the month for Jasper, McKenzie and Olivia.

Jasper Franklin

A hard-earned step into the senior ranks.

Moving from apprentice to senior is one of the toughest transitions in a jockey's career. The claim is gone, the competition for rides becomes even stronger and every opportunity has to be earned. Jasper has worked hard to reach this point, and I have plenty of confidence in what he can do at senior level.

He is still building his race sharpness after returning from injury, but his attitude and work have been excellent. The support from Declan and Ciaron Maher has been greatly appreciated, and I believe Jasper has the talent, strength and determination to establish himself across South East Queensland in the weeks and months ahead.

McKenzie Apel

Hard work turning into results.

McKenzie rode four winners in August, a deserved return for the work she continues to put in behind the scenes. She is riding with confidence, making good decisions in races and giving trainers a committed performance every time she is legged aboard.

Her start at the Gold Coast has been particularly encouraging. She is building relationships, earning repeat support and improving as her opportunities grow. Her work with Adam Campton was a standout, returning a 60% win strike rate, 100% place strike rate and 292% ROI for the yard during August.

4
August winners: 60%
Campton win SR: 100%
Campton place SR: 292%
Campton ROI

Olivia Kendal

Plenty of rides and plenty to build on.

August was quieter on the scoreboard for Olivia, with one winner, but that does not reflect how well she has been riding. She has remained busy, is getting plenty of rides and continues to give her mounts every chance with her clean, confident style.

Her Ipswich winner for Donna Stanbridge and the powerful Mishani operation was a welcome reward. Donna has been a wonderful supporter of Olivia, and that support means a great deal. With a strong volume of rides keeping her sharp, I am confident more results will follow.

From the manager's desk

Spring 2026

Building nicely into spring.

Overall, I am really happy with how the team is travelling. Each rider is at a different stage, but the common thread is strong relationships, consistent opportunities and a willingness to keep improving. August gave us plenty to celebrate, and I am looking forward to seeing what the spring months bring.

Ryan CrawfordBox Seat Management

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