Imagine starting your career as a quiet kid in a remote Australian town, only to soar to the heights of elite horse racing in the big city— and having your very first teacher rooting for you, not just emotionally, but with a little flutter on the horses. That's the heartwarming yet inspiring tale of jockey Ethan Brown and his grade one teacher, who now cheers him on from afar. But here's where it gets controversial: Is it ethical for educators to gamble on their former students' performances, even if it's just for fun? Stick around, because this story of perseverance, unlikely connections, and high-stakes thrills is one you won't want to miss—and it might just challenge your views on mentorship and betting.
Let's dive in. Ethan Brown's journey began in Alice Springs, a place far removed from the glitz of Melbourne's racing scene. His former teacher, whom we'll call Simonetto for privacy (as is common in such stories), taught him way back in first grade at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College. Fast forward years later, and she's not only a loyal supporter but also places a modest $2 each-way bet on his rides whenever she's at the track. 'I back his mounts when I'm at the races,' she explains with a smile. 'But honestly, I'm far more invested in him as a person than in chasing winnings.' It's a reminder that for many fans, racing is about the human story, not just the gamble—and this connection runs deep.
The two lost touch after Ethan moved from the junior campus to the year five-to-eight one at the end of grade four. But fate intervened about eight years ago at Alice Springs Airport. Ethan was back in town to compete in the Alice Springs Cup after returning from Melbourne, and Simonetto spotted him in the lounge. She approached, reintroduced herself, and to her delight, he remembered her instantly. 'Oh, of course, I remember you,' he said, sparking a conversation that rekindled their bond. From then on, she followed his career closely. Now, with more trips to Melbourne, she often heads to Flemington just to wave at him from the fence as he rides by. It's a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes about the lasting impact teachers can have.
Ethan's path from the outback to the Melbourne spring carnival isn't a typical one—it's a testament to grit and opportunity. Few jockeys make that leap, with Steven Arnold, the winner of the Cox Plate, being one of the rare success stories from central Australia. Ethan grew up immersed in motocross with his dad, Paul, who was a big fan of the sport. 'I was decent at it,' Ethan recalls, 'but I realized it might be more practical to pursue jockeying than motorbiking professionally.' That switch happened at age 14, thanks to an introduction from his mother, Sonia Donnelly, and stepfather, Ronny, who were social members at Alice Springs' Pioneer Park and knew local trainers. Since he was too young for jobs like flipping burgers at McDonald's or KFC, Ethan opted to work at the stables before and after school. The drive took about 15-20 minutes, and with his parents busy as Uber drivers, it was a solo endeavor. 'I had a natural knack for it,' he says. 'Just like with motocross, I felt at ease on a horse, but I still had to put in the hard work to master this new world.' For beginners wondering about jockey apprenticeships, it's worth noting that they require a set number of trial rides, and that's where challenges arose—Alice Springs simply didn't have enough horses for Ethan to meet his quota.
That's when jockey coach Matt Pumpa invited him to Melbourne to fulfill those requirements. His innate talent in the saddle didn't go unnoticed; experienced trainer Mick Kent saw potential in the 15-year-old and offered him a job. 'It was an easy decision to move, but actually sticking with it was tough,' Ethan admits. 'I was homesick and ready to quit within two weeks.' Yet, the support from kind people turned things around. Living with Mick at first, and befriending apprentices Jake Bayliss and Beau Mertens, helped him push through. After completing his apprenticeship, he forged a strong partnership with trainer Ciaron Maher, racking up 54 wins together, including five Group 1 victories. They even placed third in the Melbourne Cup with Middle Earth. Along the way, Ethan's fanbase grew, including Simonetto, who beams with pride. 'It's amusing that she was my primary teacher, but she's fantastic support,' Ethan says. 'I think she gets a real kick out of watching me ride.' Simonetto stayed in touch with Ethan's mom, Sonia, and even taught two of his sisters, Talisa, Grace, and Chelsea. And this is the part most people miss: Their bond wasn't just nostalgic—it became a lifeline during Ethan's darkest hour.
In March 2023, Ethan suffered a horrific fall at Flemington that threatened his career. With three life-saving surgeries for internal injuries, including a lacerated liver, he ended up at Royal Melbourne Hospital, spending a week in an induced coma. Simonetto was devastated, watching it unfold on TV. 'I knew it was serious when the horse rolled on him,' she recalls. Over the next few months, as he rehabbed, they exchanged messages. 'I just tried to lift him up, reminding him he'd excel no matter what path he chose,' she says. Despite being unable to speak for a month due to bruised vocal cords from the ventilator, Ethan wasn't deterred. It took 12 months and two comeback attempts before he felt fully comfortable again—thanks largely to family, friends, and his now-fiancée, jockey Celine Gaudray, who placed fifth in this year's Melbourne Cup. Ethan hasn't added to his nine Group 1 wins this spring, but experts say it's imminent. He's set to ride in all three Group 1 races at Flemington on Saturday: the outsider Jedibeel in the Champions Sprint, last-start winner Von Hauke in the Champions Mile, and the improving Pier against Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes. Simonetto will be watching from Alice Springs, but she'll be trackside for his best shot next week at Caulfield on Jimmysstar in the Orr Stakes. 'It's wonderful, after all these years of teaching, to maintain that link with former students,' she reflects. 'Many of them reach out occasionally, thriving in Alice Springs, Melbourne, or Adelaide. But Ethan stands out—he was such a well-behaved boy, never a troublemaker, and I remember him carefully looking after his sister at the classroom door until she was settled in.'
Now, shifting gears to the action on the track, Champions Day at Flemington promises to be unforgettable. The elite of the turf gather for a showdown, headlined by a clash between fan favorites Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside in the $3 million Group 1 Champions Mile. They'll face off against Treasurethe Moment and Ceowulf in the 1600m event, while Cox Plate champion Via Sistina defends her title in the $3 million Champions Stakes over 2000m. With predicted rain likely to soften the track, horses with good wet-track form could have the edge—think of it as Mother Nature adding an extra layer of excitement to these high-stakes races.
Here's the rundown for VRC Champions Day:
First race: 12:40pm
Last race: 5:50pm
Track: Good 4, Rail: Out 9m, Weather: Showers, expected top of 16 degrees.
Race 6: $3m Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m), 3:50pm
The favorite: Tentyris dominated in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on Victoria Derby Day, positioning himself as a rising star in sprinting. Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, this three-year-old colt could be scratched if the track turns heavy—weather can make or break a race like this.
The threats: Clayton Douglas's Giga Kick thrives in the rain, aiming to recapture his 2022 Everest-winning form, while Chris Waller's Joliestar loves Flemington's straight but prefers drier conditions.
Champions Sprint tips: 1st Tentyris (No.10), 2nd Giga Kick (No.1), 3rd Joliestar (No.6), 4th Magic Time (No.7).
Russell says: Tentyris is poised to claim the sprint crown, barring a muddy mess from the showers.
Race 7: $3m Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m), 4:30pm
The favorite: Mr Brightside, a ten-time Group 1 winner and Australia's most reliable elite performer, was unlucky not to win the King Charles Stakes last time. He excels in wet conditions.
The threats: His rival Pride Of Jenni shone with a front-running victory in the Empire Rose Stakes, Treasurethe Moment delivered a strong Cox Plate third behind Via Sistina, and Ceowulf charged late to take the King Charles Stakes.
The value: The UK-trained Lake Forest could surprise if he's bounced back from a poor recent run.
Champions Mile tips: 1st Treasurethe Moment (No.9), 2nd Ceowulf (No.2), 3rd Mr Brightside (No.1), 4th Pride Of Jenni (No.7).
Russell says: Treasurethe Moment's Cox Plate effort suggests she'll handle soft ground well—it's a key indicator for this race's potential.
Race 8: $3m Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m), 5:10pm
The favorite: Via Sistina is almost unbeatable here; the field is weaker than the Cox Plate, and soft or heavy ground won't faze her.
The threat: Anthony and Sam Freedman's Tom Kitten has been timed perfectly, placing fourth behind Pride Of Jenni in the Feehan Stakes and fifth behind Ceowulf in the King Charles Stakes.
The value: Pier, a lightly raced gelding, battled Mr Brightside in the King Charles Stakes; Attrition and Light Infantry Man bring Cox Plate experience and handle soft tracks.
Champions Stakes tips: 1st Via Sistina (No.10), 2nd Tom Kitten (No.1), 3rd Pier (No.6), 4th Attrition (No.4).
Russell says: As reigning horse of the year, Via Sistina is a superstar—she duplicated the Cox Plate-Champions Stakes last year and should repeat, even if not at her peak.
Champions Day quaddie: 1st leg: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10; 2nd leg: 1, 2, 7, 9; 3rd leg: 10; 4th leg: 2, 6, 10, 11.
A $10 bet on this combination could yield 10.4% of the total winnings—perfect for those dipping their toes into multi-race betting.
As we wrap up this tale of triumph over adversity, it begs some provocative questions: Should teachers gamble on their students' careers, even modestly, or does it blur professional boundaries? And in a sport as unpredictable as horse racing, is perseverance like Ethan's the real winner, or is luck the ultimate decider? Do you see this as harmless fun or a potential conflict? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that personal connections make racing more thrilling, or disagree, thinking it complicates things? Let's discuss!
