Episode 418: Cejay Graham

This is a breezy chat with a little lady who has endeared herself to many in just six years as a professional jockey. She’s based at Port Macquarie and is a regular at most meetings in the region, but just lately Cejay has been sneaking to Brisbane where she’s come under the notice of trainers like Tony Gollan. Cejay talks of life as the daughter of respected jockey Peter Graham, and her late decision to become a jockey. She begins by talking about a freak accident at a recent Doomben meeting. She talks about her home base at Port Macquarie and the property she shares with partner, jockey Kirk Matheson. The apprentice says she was in no hurry to become a jockey but suddenly the spark ignited. Cejay explains the origins of her christian name. She talks of her apprenticeship to respected local trainer John Sprague and her good fortune in being coached by her father Peter, rider of more than 2300 winners. Cejay delights in heaping praise on Peter Graham, the horseman and the dad. She looks back on her first race ride and the thrill of winning her first race at Armidale. Cejay remembers the trauma of her first race crash at a time when she was on the crest of a winning wave. She was elated to hold onto country apprentice premiership honours despite months on the sidelines. Cejay was thrilled to be invited to spend some time in Sydney with the powerful Snowden stable. She stayed 18 months and rode more than 50 winners. She reflects on several landmark achievements. She talks of partner Kirk Matheson’s amazing comeback from serious injury. He’s currently in strong demand on the NSW north coast. The 24 year old talks of the  nightmare experience on a veritable “buckjumper” at a Lismore meeting. It was to be nearly a year before she was back in the saddle. Lady Luck again deserted the talented young jockey when Emma Rosa crashed to the turf at Grafton in April 2022. Another broken wrist, and many more frustrating months out of action. Cejay talks of a thrilling return in February with a winning double at Port Macquarie for her old boss John Sprague. The popular jockey closes with special mention of mother Karen, sister Rori and brother Jesse. A nice chat with a vibrant young lady.