We’re only five weeks into the new racing season, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better story all year than we witnessed at Warracknabeal last Saturday. 
Apprentice jockey Jade Smith made the perfect start to her racing career in the feature event of the day, the Sheep Hills Cup, aboard Spylark ($5) for trainer — and father — Dane Smith. 
The young hoop gave her mare a perfect steer from the 2000-metre start, enjoying a plum trail behind the speed before peeling out approaching the home bend. 
Showing poise beyond her years, Smith didn’t panic as runners attacked from behind, holding her galloper together until she presented to the middle of the home straight and set her sights on the leaders. 
The fun was about to begin as cheers went up inside the 100-metre mark and only grew louder as Spylark sailed past her rivals, Smith with a perfectly timed salute as she celebrated a 1¾-length victory in front of friends and family.
Cricketers dream of hundreds and hat-tricks on debut, footballers of kicking the match-winner after the siren.
Jockeys dream of what Smith was able to do at 4.29pm last Saturday. Congratulations Jade, Dane and mum Heidi — here’s to many more!
Another for the black book
There are a few horses to follow from Warracknabeal last weekend, most notably Oliveanotherday ($3.80), who was impossible to miss in the opening 1000-metre event. 
The Tom Dabernig-trained debutant settled second-last and cornered a mile back, hooking widest and thundering home to miss by the narrowest of margins on the line, clocking a sharp 10.64 seconds for his final 200 metres. 
This three-year-old must be followed wherever he pops up next.
We can also stick with Spylark, who is starting to get reward for effort (and ability), while the placegetters behind her, Ferago and Chairman, are worth watching next start.