Liam O’Loughlin | Wide World of Sports
Angela Jones has etched her name into the history books, becoming the first woman to win the Brisbane metro jockeys’ premiership.
She went into Wednesday’s meeting at Doomben with 66 wins for the racing year – two clear of nearest rival and close friend Emily Lang.
Neither rider finished with a winner on the final day of the metro season, which saw Jones walk away with the coveted trophy.
Jones has become a consistent rider in Queensland and a favourite of leading trainer Tony Gollan, with more than half of her career victories coming for him.
In recent years, James Orman has had a mortgage on the top prize in Brisbane, having won the premiership for three-straight seasons before Jones took the mantle.
Elsewhere across the country, James McDonald took home the NSW premiership after another incredible season that included wins in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Chipping Norton Stakes with champion mare Via Sistina.
McDonald finished with 83 metro victories and amassed over $19 million in prizemoney.
Blake Shinn emerged with the top honour in Victoria and took to social media, heaping praise on close rival Craig Williams in the tightly-run battle.
“What a way to finish an incredible season by securing the 24/25 Metropolitan title here in Melbourne,” he said via X.
“This result reflects 12 months of sacrifice and relentless hard work, made possible by the unwavering support of the exceptional team around me.
“A sincere thank you to the trainers and owners for your trust and belief in me.
“To my great mate Craig Williams, congrats on an outstanding season. You pushed me right to the final day and your class and determination kept me at my best.
“I’m very grateful for the position I’m in and never take it for granted. To everyone behind the scenes from strappers, barrier staff, farriers and vets to the course attendants, stewards and media – your efforts don’t go unnoticed.”
Cult hero William Pike was the West Australian jockeys’ premiership winner.
The racing season in Australia will officially reset on Friday, August 1.