Port Lincoln’s Rochelle Milnes has already made a big mark in the sport of racing and is only just getting started.
In a whirlwind couple of years in the saddle, young gun jockey Rochelle Milnes has won the Adelaide Cup and Port Lincoln Cup in 2024 and 2025, in addition to other esteemed prizes.
Rochelle grew up on a farm and rode in equestrian events nearly every weekend.
At 14 she developed enough skills with horses to start a part-time job as a stablehand, which was a fun way for her to make some pocket money before school each day.
As her dad Graham was a former jockey and her mum Karen was a trackwork rider and clerk of the local racecourse, Rochelle was engrossed in the industry from a young age.
“Not long after starting the morning work at the stables, I was offered another additional job from a friend of my mum’s to work at strapping horses on race day,” she says.
“My parents encouraged me to continue working this way whilst completing my high school education and it continued that way.
“Even after school I had no aspirations to be a jockey.”
Rochelle notes the real interest in racing began when she started work at the Adelaide yearling sales for Stable Hill Thoroughbreds aged 16.
“John Dunn flew me over for the week each year and is one of the reasons why handling horses and working full-time in the Adelaide Hills as a trackwork rider was so appealing to me after finishing school,” she says.
“It took a few years and riding in a few jump outs to want to be a jockey, but this is what prompted me to head in this direction.”
Since becoming a jockey, Rochelle says she has thoroughly enjoyed forming a connection with her horses.
“The bond you make is my favourite part, but the thrill of racing in general and of course winning is very enjoyable too,” she states.
“It’s just a very rewarding job and you can travel all around Australia and even the world doing it.
“Seeing and teaching young horses to develop their skills and put them to play on the track is terrific.”
In addition to winning the 2025 Adelaide Cup and both the 2024 and 2025 Lincoln cups, Rochelle has also triumphed at races such as the Lightning Stakes on Cicala and the Balaklava Cup.
“As far as milestones go, I’ve had a lot, such as winning my first metropolitan race on a horse called Second to Nun, who I secured four wins in a row with – including the Strathalbyn Cup,” Rochelle says.
On the last day of the 2025 season Rochelle also claimed the South Australian Metropolitan Premiership.
“That was incredibly tough to achieve and something I was very proud of,” she adds.
“Winning the John Letts Medal was also a huge accomplishment last year and something I had been working towards for the whole year.
“Getting to ride in my first Group One for Gai Waterhouse, although I came second to last, was amazing too.”
Winning two cups in her home town was special for Rochelle.
“I don’t often get too emotional when it comes to winning races, but I was overjoyed on both occasions and I couldn’t stop the happy tears from falling,” she notes.
“Many of my friends were in the crowd and I could hear the cheering down the straight.
“It was a feeling I’ll never forget and crossing the line first was such a relief.”
What made those victories especially memorable was the fact her dad led her horse in 2024 and her mum in 2025, plus the horse owners flew down to watch including main owner Tim Black, while trainers John Dunn and Krystal Bishop were also in attendance.
“It was wonderful to be surrounded by such support from family members, friends and people who love the races, in a place so close to my heart while doing what I love,” Rochelle recalls.
“I’ll never forget the feeling.”
Winning the Adelaide Cup gave Rochelle a surreal sense of relief.
“I didn’t sleep at all the night before and there was a lot of nerves and excitement leading up to the event, especially after the media coverage,” she says.
“The horse ran amazingly well from the tricky gate 12 and although I wanted to win it almost felt too good to be true at first.
“It was the most prestigious win of my career and took a few days to sink in and although there was plenty of celebrating, it was back to work in the morning.”
Most days Rochelle is up at 3am and drives either to Adelaide, Strathalbyn or Murray Bridge to do track work.
“Tuesdays are the busiest non-race day as I do grass-galloping in the morning, with the horses I work with having their last gallop in preparation for Saturday races at metropolitan level,” she explains.
“Depending on the day and the schedule I usually ride seven to 10 horses each morning for track work and then I’ll either travel or stay at the track until midday when I’ll ride in jump outs or trials.
“The weights of the horses I am riding within the next few days (54-61 kilograms) will determine if and what I can eat throughout the day and whether I go home and start to lose weight. If needed I will go exercising in sweat gear, whether that be riding my own horses or running in the gym and more often than not sweating in the hot bath before bedtime to make sure my weight is right for the upcoming race day.”
A racing career, Rochelle notes, is a 52-week commitment where holidays only come through sacrifice, injury or suspension.
“It takes a lot of planning important dates ahead and managing workload and daily schedules well,” she says.
“Much of my spare time includes resting and riding my own horses when I can.
“I’m very grateful to my friends and family for being so understanding of my commitments and how they often work around me to support my social life, especially when it comes to time frames and food and drink restrictions.”
Rochelle is thankful for her family, who have been her biggest supporters through her riding journey.
“My grandparents Kevin and Margaret Warren are always taking time to watch my races on TV, while my steadfast parents, despite the risk the job brings, have always supported me and have only been a call or flight away during both the good and bad times,” she says.
“My bosses John and Krystal are the reason I became a jockey and I think to this day are the people I have done the most races for.
“While my biggest achievements have come from the Will Clarken and Nikki O’Shea’s stable, so many others have supported me and continue to do so today.”
For Rochelle her goal is simple – to continue to ride consistently as a senior (without a claim) and win as many listed and group races as possible, while also trying to get a victory at Group One level.
