Brother and sister jockeys Jason and Alysha Collett are gearing up for an exciting face-off in the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia. This prestigious race is part of Sydney’s Melbourne Cup Day program and is renowned for its substantial prize money and vibrant atmosphere.
Jason, aged 34, will be riding Ruby Flyer, a gelding trained by Brad Widdup, while Alysha, his younger sister, takes the reins of Cranky Harry, trained by Matthew Dunn. Despite the competitive spirit between the two, they share a mutual love for the sport that fosters a sense of pride when one achieves success.
Coming from a family steeped in equestrian excellence, the Colletts are New Zealand-born second-generation jockeys, following in the footsteps of their father Jim, a respected jockey turned trainer, and their mother Judy, who has over 100 career wins.
The Big Dance represents a thrilling opportunity not only for the Collett siblings but also for racing enthusiasts as it builds momentum towards the much-anticipated Melbourne Cup. Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is an event steeped in tradition and celebrated for its communal spirit, drawing in crowds from all walks of life, making it an important part of Australian culture.
As the race day approaches, the excitement continues to mount for both spectators and participants alike. With the presence of seasoned jockeys and a diverse field of competitors, the Big Dance is expected to deliver a competitive and spectacular display of horse racing.