In a bygone era hardened punters were always wary of wagering their hard earned on apprentice jockeys. The claiming ‘kids,’ light on experience, were often considered a risky proposition.

However, when it comes to a band of highly talented north coast youngsters dominating this season’s country’ apprentice premiership, the old ethos has changed forever.

At tomorrow’s nine-race program at Ballina three of the state’s top apprentices - Ben Looker, Jamie Quinnell and Michael Hellyer - have an attractive book of rides and are sure to be the focus of punter confidence.

Looker, 17, apprenticed to John Shelton at Grafton, Quinnell, 18, apprenticed to Brett Bellamy at Coffs Harbour and 20-year-old Hellyer, indentured to Col Parker at Stokers Siding near Murwillumbah, have made incredible progress over the past 12 months and rank one, three and four on the premiership table with 43, 36 and 28 wins respectively. Dubbo’s Kody Nestor split’s the trio at number two with 40 wins.

“This is definitely the best crop of apprentices we’ve ever had,” suggested Northern Rivers chief steward Bill Fanning. “Consistent improvement is the key.

“They haven’t stagnated or taken a backward step despite losing their claims which speaks volumes for their ability.”

Racing’s ‘L-Platers’ receive a 4kg claim until they ride five winners, 3kg up to 20, 2kg up to 50 and 1.5kg until their 80th winner.

Looker is just four wins short of outriding his country claim. Hellyer, who rode only six winners last season, is down to 2kg and Quinnell, 1.5kg.

And let’s not forget Stephen Lee’s apprentice Joshua Jones, who has out ridden his claim and returns home tomorrow with a good book of rides for the first time since the trials and tribulations of his three month suspension following the controversial Daniel Baker inquiry.

Hellyer’s master Col Parker, jokingly describes Michael “as the best horse I’ve got in my stable,” such has been the Dapto youngsters impact since arriving via Kembla Grange and Port Macquarie.

Hellyer partners Kendrick Lad for his master in Carlton Draught Cup (1310m), Parker suggesting the Murwillumbah Newmarket winner was headed towards the Beef Week Cup and Grafton carnival.

Parker’s daughter Linda is engaged to Hellyer. “I only rode six winners in my first season but since I’ve moved up here, I’ve had a crackin’ season. I hope it keeps going,” Hellyer said.

Quinnell’s father Phil, a former jockey and trainer for 20 years, said since the lad’s move to Bellamy, “his career has taken off.

“He’s going real good,” Quinnell said of his son who used to ride the stable pony bareback as a youngster. “He’s getting on better horses, getting more opportunities and improved out of sight.”

Three of Quinnell’s best rides for his master are Line Of Sky, Hayil And Pace and former John Hawkes-trained gelding Pennants.

Looker’s best are Tanae Amber and Plantago.

By Tony White