Country Calling: Grima's Marathon Mission for Gilgandra Glory
Sydney's racing sensation, apprentice jockey Siena Grima, is trading a well-earned day off for a marathon mission this Sunday, January 4, 2026. After a demanding ten-race stint at Royal Randwick, Grima will embark on a ten-hour round trip to the heart of New South Wales for the annual Gilgandra Cup and Town Plate meeting.
Her dedication mirrors her packed schedule at Randwick, as she is booked for rides in seven of the eight races on the Gilgandra card. However, this country excursion almost didn't happen. The catalyst for the long journey is her strong partnership with the Town Plate contender Enterprise Legend, trained by Holly Williams.
The "Girls' Horse" and a Plea to Waller
The bond between jockey and horse is a powerful one, and in the case of Enterprise Legend, it's exclusive. Grima has piloted the six-year-old gelding five times for three victories, including a dominant win in the Coonabarabran Sprint on October 26. "The owners were really keen to keep Siena on, and we begged Chris and Darren to let her come," Williams revealed, referring to Grima's master trainer Chris Waller and mentor Darren Beadman. "They caved in and let her come for the day."
Williams purchased Enterprise Legend online for just $4,000 in November 2023, and since then, the horse has shown a clear preference for female jockeys, having been ridden by women in 21 of his 22 starts for the stable. "He is definitely a 'girls horse'," Williams confirmed. "He's a bit of a funny horse; you wouldn't buy him off his trackwork... but he is a different horse on race day."
Fresh off a trial win and with his runs deliberately spaced, Enterprise Legend is primed for the 1100m Town Plate. Grima, who boasts an impressive 27.3% winning strike rate at the Gilgandra track, will be aiming to continue their successful alliance.
Shayne O'Cass's Expert Picks for Gilgandra
NSW form analyst Shayne O'Cass has scrutinised the form and provided his best bets for the lucrative country meeting.
BEST BET: Race 1, No. 4 - BLUE DE BEERS. This lightly-raced type was too good when resuming at Bathurst and looks a class above this field.
NEXT BEST: Race 6, No. 1 - TROPIC. The former Chris Waller galloper makes his debut for new trainer Clint Lundholm off an eye-catching trial victory and could be a Country Championships contender.
VALUE BET: Race 7, No. 3 - HOW'S IT KEV. The eight-year-old warhorse is aiming for his ninth win in what will be his 50th career start. He comes into the Gilgandra Cup in excellent form, including a recent third at Warwick Farm.
Race-by-Race Analysis and Inside Mail
RACE 1 (1200m): Blue De Beers is the standout. Romantic Love is the main danger if she can find a forward position.
RACE 2 (1600m): Takethenoneyandrun deserves another chance after losing his rider at Tamworth. Vino Rapido handled the mile well last start.
RACE 3 (1100m): The well-bred It's A Tata can go one better after a good second first-up. Rusky Ripper is on an upward spiral.
RACE 4 - TOWN PLATE (1100m): The reason for Siena Grima's trip, Enterprise Legend, gets his chance. Wilbury brings strong metropolitan form.
RACE 5 - COO-EE CUP (1800m): Local hope Alpine Rose is in red-hot form and chases back-to-back wins. Phils Colours is aiming for four straight victories.
RACE 6 (1280m): All eyes are on Tropic to see if he can transfer his trial brilliance to race day. Revenue Raiser showed promise on debut.
RACE 7 - GILGANDRA CUP (1600m): How's It Kev is the one to beat in a competitive feature. Marnoo enjoys a home-track advantage, and Rouge Moulin is always competitive.
RACE 8 (1100m): Nevermista has been consistent in stronger races and gets his chance. My Boy Scout trialled brilliantly, and Dao Sun is a last-start local winner.
The Gilgandra meeting showcases the vibrant heart of country racing, attracting top talent like Siena Grima and presenting punters with a full day of thrilling action.
