If a strong work ethic, dedication and commitment count for anything then Port Macquarie apprentice Cejay Graham should be assured of a successful career in the saddle. 
The daughter of leading mid north coast jockey Peter Graham, Cejay started working in the stables of local trainer John Sprague, when she was in year nine at school. 
It wasn’t until she began riding trackwork, however, that Graham decided that she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father and brother, up-and-coming apprentice Jesse. 
“I just loved riding trackwork. I knew straight away that I wanted to be a jockey,” she said.
Her parents weren’t overjoyed about her decision. 
“Dad wasn’t too keen on the idea, but I think he was just worried that I might get hurt,” she explained. 
It was agreed that Cejay should complete high school and have something to fall back on should a riding career fail to pan out. Accordingly, the teenager put her energies into study. 
Before her 18th birthday, she had not only successfully completed the HSC but also gained certificates in childcare, hospitality and retail, each requiring 200 hours of practical work plus more hours in the workplace. 
Graham achieved all this while still riding trackwork of a morning, returning after school to work in the stables.
Graham, who only commenced race riding on May 21 this year, rode a winner at just her third ride and now has three wins to her credit. 
“I’ve been very lucky,” she told me. “Since I started my apprenticeship, Dad has been my greatest supporter.
“He’s taught me so much. He’s always been my role model. Jesse has also been a big help. They’re both clever riders. My family’s been really supportive. 
“(Port Macquarie trainer) Malcolm Fitzgerald has been a massive help also and so have (stewards) Mr (Drew) Smith and Mr (Shane) Cullen. They’ve both gone out of their way to help me. 
“Mr.Cullen has helped me with studying the form, watching race videos and by giving me tips while I’ve been on the mechanical horse. I’m grateful too to John Sprague, to whom I’m apprenticed.”
When not riding trackwork, race riding or working in the stables, Graham can be found following her other passion, showjumping. 
She currently has two horses in work and competes in shows and competition whenever time permits. 
Graham can be contacted for rides through Peter Graham on 0412 156 730. 
Monstar magic
Country and provincial trainers had a day to remember at Randwick last Saturday, claiming five races on the nine-race program including the feature $150,000 listed AHC June Stakes, won in dominant fashion by the Brett Cavanough-trained The Monstar ($8.50). 
The gelding went straight to the front, where he travelled kindly for jockey Josh Adams, before racing away in the straight to win by 5¼ lengths. 
“As I was cantering The Monstar to the gates, I could feel he absolutely loved the ground (a heavy 10),” said Adams. “Then he jumped well and led pretty easily until the turn. 
“I didn’t want to go too early, but he was travelling up the rise and kicked away.” 
It was an emotional win for Adams as it was his first win at a metropolitan track in more than three years, following a disqualification and personal issues. 
“It’s been a long battle,” he said. “There are a lot of people behind the scenes who were there through thick and thin; this win is for them.”
Wildflower blooms
In the 2000-metre benchmark 80, twin sisters Emma and Lucy Longmire enjoyed the biggest success of their brief training partnership, when Wildflower ($12) proved too strong for her rivals. 
Jockey Jay Ford quickly slotted the mare into fourth spot from her wide barrier, where he allowed her to bowl along before hitting the front at the 300 metres and going on to win by a length and a half. 
“That mare, she’s just so tough,” said Emma Longmire. “I’m nearly speechless at the moment. 
“We were pretty happy about all the rain throughout the week. We knew she’d go well on the wet track. We were confident. 
“It’s our first Saturday win for the partnership, but for me, it’s about the horse. She’s such a trier.”
Nettoyer a stunner
Nettoyer, a maiden filly having just her third start, scored an absolutely stunning victory in the 2000-metre benchmark 72 at Randwick. 
The three-year-old, ridden by Rachel King, missed the start and settled well back, three wide but with cover. 
When she started to improve her position from the 1600 metres, she was still three wide and without cover. 
Inside the 250 metres, Nettoyer ($13) moved up to hit the lead and then remarkably careered right away under hands-and-heels riding to score by 10 lengths easing down. 
“We thought she’d win the race from a week ago,” said veterinarian John Crowley, who part-owns the filly with his partner, trainer Wendy Roche. 
“Mike Kenneally rides her and he said she’s the best filly he has ever ridden. That’s why she’s raced out of her class.” 
Clipper cruises
Canberra galloper Clipper recorded her fourth win from just six starts in the Class 3 TAB Highway Handicap (1000m) at Randwick. 
After travelling three wide without cover for most of the race, Clipper, ridden by Tim Clark, took the lead at the 100 metres and drew away to score by 2¼ lengths. 
“We came here with a slight question mark about her on such a heavy track, but I felt she’d get through it. She’s just so genuine,” said trainer Matthew Dale.
Anna too good
The 1400-metre benchmark 80 for fillies and mares at Randwick saw $3.80 favourite Heavenly Anna, trained at Kembla Grange by Kerry Parker and ridden by Jay Ford, relishd the heavy conditions to race away from her rivals and score by 3¼ lengths.
Mighty Murray 
Congratulations to Rachael Murray on becoming the first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a season in NSW.