Picture this: Your very first teacher from elementary school, the one who guided you through your ABCs, now cheering you on as a professional jockey and even placing a small bet on your races. It's an extraordinary tale of connection and perseverance that captures the heart! But here's where it gets truly inspiring – it's about Ethan Brown, a rising star in the racing world, and his grade one teacher who remains his biggest fan. Let's dive into this remarkable story, breaking it down step by step so everyone can follow along, no matter if you're new to horse racing or a seasoned enthusiast.
Ethan's journey begins with his former teacher, who we'll call Mrs. Simonetto for now, sharing her enthusiasm: 'I occasionally place a $2 each-way bet on his horses when I'm at the track. But honestly, I'm far more invested in him as a person than in chasing profits.' For those just starting out in racing lingo, 'each-way' means betting on a horse to either win or place (usually top two or three), doubling your chances of a payout, though it's still a fun gamble rather than a serious moneymaker.
Their paths diverged after Ethan moved from the junior campus at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College to the older grades at the end of fourth grade. But fate intervened about eight years ago with a serendipitous reunion at Alice Springs Airport. Ethan was back from Melbourne to compete in the Alice Springs Cup, and she recognized him in the lounge. 'I approached him, reintroduced myself, and he instantly recalled me,' she recalls. 'We struck up a conversation right then and there.'
From that moment, she kept tabs on his career. Now visiting Melbourne more often, she heads to Flemington Racecourse, positions herself at the fence, and waves enthusiastically as he rides by on his mount. It's a heartwarming reminder of how past relationships can blossom into lifelong support.
Ethan's path from the dusty outback of Alice Springs to the glittering Melbourne spring racing carnival isn't a common one. Most jockeys hail from areas with established racing scenes, but Ethan defied the odds. And this is the part most people miss – it's not just about talent; it's about seizing unexpected opportunities. For context, Alice Springs, in the heart of Australia's red centre, has produced few jockeys who make it big, with Steven Arnold, the Cox Plate-winning rider, being a rare exception. Ethan reflects on his roots: 'I was into motocross growing up; my dad, Paul, was passionate about it, and I did okay at it too. But realistically, becoming a jockey seemed more viable than pursuing a career in motorbike racing.'
He didn't even mount a horse until he was 14, introduced to the sport by his mother, Sonia Donnelly, and stepfather, Ronny. They were social members of Alice Springs' Pioneer Park and had connections with local trainers. 'I was too young for jobs at places like McDonald's or KFC,' Ethan explains, 'so I figured I'd work at the stables before and after school.' The stables were a 15-20 minute drive from home, and with his parents busy driving rideshares (think Uber-style services), it was a practical choice. He proved to be a natural, much like he was on the motocross track, but success required grit. 'I had to train hard; it was an entirely new discipline for me,' he adds, clarifying that while innate ability helps, consistent effort and learning are essential in any sport.
Apprentice jockeys must complete a set number of trial rides to qualify, but Alice Springs lacked sufficient horses. That's when jockey coach Matt Pumpa invited Ethan to Melbourne to meet his requirements. His raw skill impressed seasoned trainer Mick Kent, who offered the 15-year-old a position. 'It was an obvious decision, but actually following through and enduring was a different challenge,' Ethan remembers. 'After just two weeks, I was ready to pack up and head home for good.'
Yet, the support from those around him turned things around. 'I had wonderful people by my side,' he says. 'Mick Kent was a great boss and even let me stay with him initially. Fellow apprentices Jake Bayliss and Beau Mertens helped me overcome the loneliness and tough times.' This highlights a key lesson for beginners in high-pressure careers: community and mentorship can make or break your journey.
Post-apprenticeship, Ethan forged a strong partnership with trainer Ciaron Maher, racking up 54 wins together, including five prestigious Group 1 victories – that's the highest level of racing in Australia, akin to the elite leagues in other sports. They even placed third in the Melbourne Cup with Middle Earth. Along the way, Ethan's fanbase grew, including his proud grade one teacher.
'It's amusing to think back – she taught me in primary school, but she's such a fantastic supporter,' Ethan notes. 'She attends races and really enjoys watching me compete.' Mrs. Simonetto stayed in touch with Ethan's mother, Sonia, and even taught two of his sisters, Talisa, Grace, and Chelsea.
But here's where the story takes a dramatic turn – and perhaps sparks some controversy. Is it appropriate for educators to maintain such personal ties with former students, especially in a high-risk field like horse racing? Some might argue it's endearing and motivational, while others could see it as blurring professional boundaries. What do you think? Share your views in the comments below!
Tragedy struck in March 2023 when Ethan suffered severe injuries in a horrific fall at Flemington. The horse rolled over him, leading to three emergency surgeries for internal damage, including a lacerated liver, and a week in an induced coma at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Mrs. Simonetto was devastated, watching it unfold on TV. 'I knew it was serious,' she says. During his recovery, they exchanged messages. 'I tried to encourage him, reminding him he'd excel no matter his path.'
Despite being unable to speak for a month due to bruised vocal cords from the ventilator, Ethan refused to quit. It took 12 months and two comeback attempts to regain his confidence in the saddle, buoyed by family, friends, and his fiancée, fellow jockey Celine Gaudray, who placed fifth in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. This resilience is a powerful example of overcoming adversity, reminding us that setbacks, even life-threatening ones, don't have to define your future.
Ethan hasn't added to his nine Group 1 wins this spring, but experts believe it's just a matter of time before he hits double digits. On Saturday at Flemington, he'll ride in all three Group 1 races: outsider Jedibeel in the Champions Sprint, last-start winner Von Hauke in the Champions Mile, and the improving Pier against Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes. Mrs. Simonetto will be watching from Alice Springs. His strongest shot might be on Jimmysstar next week at Caulfield in the Orr Stakes, where she'll cheer from the trackside.
'It's truly heartwarming, after years of teaching, to maintain such bonds with former students,' she reflects. 'I hear from many who are thriving in places like Alice Springs, Melbourne, or Adelaide. But Ethan stands out – he was such a quiet, well-behaved boy who never troubled the teachers. He even looked after his sister, waiting patiently at the door while she settled in.'
Now, shifting gears to the action on the track: This Saturday's VRC Champions Day at Flemington brings together the crème de la crème of Australian racing, with a blockbuster showdown in the $3 million Group 1 Champions Mile between fan favorites Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside, plus stalwarts like Treasurethe Moment and Ceowulf over 1600 meters. Meanwhile, Cox Plate winner Via Sistina defends her title in the $3 million Champions Stakes (2000m). Expected rain could soften the track, favoring horses with proven wet-weather prowess – a classic twist that adds unpredictability to any race day.
Key details for Champions Day: Races run from 12:40pm to 5:50pm. Current conditions: Good 4 track, rail out 9m, showers expected with a high of 16 degrees.
Race 6: $3m Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m, 3:50pm)
Favorite: Tentyris, the three-year-old colt trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, demolished the field in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on Victoria Derby Day. He's poised to become sprinting's next big star, though they'll scratch him if the track turns heavy.
Threats: Clayton Douglas' Giga Kick thrives in the rain and aims to recapture his 2022 Everest-winning form. Chris Waller's Joliestar excels on Flemington's straight but prefers drier conditions.
Tips: 1st Tentyris (No.10), 2nd Giga Kick (No.1), 3rd Joliestar (No.6), 4th Magic Time (No.7).
Russell says: Tentyris looks set to claim the sprint crown, barring a muddy track from the forecast showers.
Race 7: $3m Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m, 4:30pm)
Favorite: Ten-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside is Australia's most reliable elite performer and was just unlucky not to win the Group 1 King Charles Stakes behind Ceowulf last time. He handles wet going brilliantly.
Threats: Rival Pride Of Jenni bounced back with a commanding all-the-way victory in the Empire Rose Stakes. Treasurethe Moment delivered a gutsy third in last month's Cox Plate behind Via Sistina, while Ceowulf surged late to take the King Charles Stakes.
Value bet: UK-trained Lake Forest could upset if he's bounced back from a disappointing run against Ceowulf and Mr Brightside in Sydney.
Tips: 1st Treasurethe Moment (No.9), 2nd Ceowulf (No.2), 3rd Mr Brightside (No.1), 4th Pride Of Jenni (No.7).
Russell says: If the Cox Plate is our pinnacle race, Treasurethe Moment's close finish there behind Via Sistina is a strong indicator for the Mile. She copes well with soft ground, too.
Race 8: $3m Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m, 5:10pm)
Favorite: Via Sistina would need to be extraordinarily unlucky to lose this. The field is weaker than the Cox Plate, and a softening track by afternoon won't faze her.
Threat: Anthony and Sam Freedman's Tom Kitten is peaking at the perfect moment. He was fourth behind Pride Of Jenni in the Feehan Stakes and fifth behind Ceowulf in the King Charles Stakes at Randwick.
Value bets: Lightly raced Pier ran neck-and-neck with Mr Brightside in the King Charles Stakes, finished behind Ceowulf. Attrition (fourth) and Light Infantry Man (fifth) bring Cox Plate experience and handle soft tracks.
Tips: 1st Via Sistina (No.10), 2nd Tom Kitten (No.1), 3rd Pier (No.6), 4th Attrition (No.4).
Russell says: Via Sistina is rightfully the reigning champion; she's a track superstar. She achieved the Cox Plate-Champions Stakes double last year, and despite a quieter preparation this time, I expect her to repeat.
Champions Day Quaddie: 1st leg: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10; 2nd leg: 1, 2, 7, 9; 3rd leg: 10; 4th leg: 2, 6, 10, 11.
A $10 bet on this combo returns 10.4% of the total prize pool – a small stake for potentially big excitement!
There you have it: A story of triumph, loyalty, and the thrill of the races. But let's ponder this – with the dangers jockeys face, should we celebrate such high-risk careers, or push for safer alternatives? And what about teachers forming personal bonds with students post-graduation? Is it wholesome or potentially problematic? I'd love to hear your take – agree, disagree, or add your own angle in the comments!
