Anthony Freedman Takes on Gun Apprentice

Jace McMurray is preparing for a career-defining winter in Sydney as the highly regarded Queensland apprentice heads south for a three-month loan to Randwick trainer Michael Freedman. According to racingqueensland.com.au, the Gold Coast-based teenager is expected to join the stable in the coming weeks, continuing a steady rise that’s already seen him chalk up 56 wins this season and push toward the provincial apprentice premiership. The move mirrors the path of Zac Lloyd, who made the leap from provincial circuits to Sydney’s elite ranks just two years ago and is now a Group 1-winning regular. The switch was prompted by a nudge from Hall of Famer Lee Freedman and former champion jockey Corey Brown, both of whom saw potential in McMurray and recommended him to Michael Freedman. “Lee said I should keep an eye on this young fella… Corey called a few weeks back and also suggested there was an opportunity for Jace,” Freedman explained. “I’m very happy to give him the opportunity and we are looking forward to getting him here and getting him settled in.” Freedman believes McMurray’s full claim will be attractive to other stables and expects him to ride trackwork across Randwick, where several yards traditionally support apprentices. “He’ll get the opportunity to spread his wings outside of my yard and hopefully increase his opportunities,” he said. McMurray is currently indentured to Adam Campton, who shares family ties with Brown and trains on the Gold Coast. McMurray, who grew up in Cairns and has spent time in Far North Queensland and the Coffs Harbour region, said recently he is pleased with his progress through the apprentice ranks. “I have outridden my country claim and I am now deep into my provincial claim,” he said. He also cited leading city hoop Emily Lang as a rider he looks up to. Freedman believes success will come down to attitude: “He will need to get here and have his head down and work hard, there is no shortcuts with it.” McMurray suffered a minor fall at Toowoomba on Saturday but is expected to be fit to join the Freedman operation shortly, aiming to follow in Lloyd’s footsteps with a strong winter campaign in Sydney.