The red dust of the outback settled on a thrilling weekend of racing as Bailie Baker stole the spotlight at the iconic Birdsville Cup race meeting on Saturday, September 6th. With a crowd of thousands gathered in the heart of Queensland’s desert, Baker showed her outstanding horsemanship, riding a winning double enhancing her status as an emerging star within Australian racing.
🥇 Victory in the Birdsville Cup
Baker’s crowning moment came aboard Testator Silens, trained by Clinton Austin, in the prestigious TAB Birdsville Cup Open Handicap (1600m). With odds of $8, the pair surged to the front and never looked back, crossing the line 3.3 lengths ahead of the competition in a time of 1:34.57.
The win was a testament to Baker’s tactical brain, it was a reward for her hard work and the training of Clinton Austin, delivering one of the most memorable Cup finishes in recent years.
🏆 Earlier Success in the Sprint
Earlier in the day, Baker teamed up again with Clinton Austin to ride Yemean in the Not Just Hardware BM55 Handicap (800m). While not a win, the duo secured a strong third-place finish, showcasing Baker’s consistency and versatility across distances.
🥈 Near Miss in the Class 5 Handicap
Baker’s third ride of the day came aboard Pompeii Empire in the TAB Handicap (Class 5, 1200m), where she narrowly missed another win, finishing second. It was a performance that rounded out a stellar day for the young jockey, who again proved she can compete — and win — at one of Australia’s most unique and challenging race meets.
🌟 A Rising Star in the Saddle
Bailie Baker’s double at Birdsville is more than just a personal triumph — it’s a signal to the racing world that she’s a jockey to watch. With a growing list of wins and a strong guidance from her master Adam Campton, Baker is carving out a name for herself in the competitive racing industry.
As the dust settles on Birdsville for another year, one thing is clear: Bailie Baker’s star is on the rise.
Congratulations to Bailie from all the team at Campton Racing.