Alana Livesey’s rise through the South Australian ranks hit another milestone on Thursday night, with the talented rider crowned Dux of the Racing SA Apprentice Academy at Morphettville.
In doing so, Livesey now joins an honour roll that includes Jamie Melham and Kerrin McEvoy, graduates of the same system who went on to become two of the most accomplished Australian jockeys of the modern era. Not bad company to keep.
The award caps a standout season for Livesey, both in the saddle and off it. Her year was headlined by victory in the Listed Premier’s Plate (2000m) aboard Wild Imagination for David Page, a win that doubled as her 50th metropolitan success and second at Listed level.
Her efforts across the season were recognised in multiple ways on the night. Livesey also claimed Minister for Racing Ride of the Year and the SA Jockeys Association Endeavour and Sportsmanship Award, underlining not just performance, but professionalism and leadership within the industry.
As part of her Dux honour, Livesey will embark on a study tour to Hong Kong, spending time with the Hong Kong Jockey Club through Racing SA’s long-standing international development partnership, an opportunity designed to broaden the experience of the state’s most promising young riders.
Apprentice Academy Talent Manager Ruby Mayers summed up her journey best.
“This is a much-deserved recognition for Alana. The way she has overcome challenges whilst maintaining consistency in both her work ethic and performance is a true credit to her resilience and undeniable talent.”
Livesey is in the final months of Racing SA’s Apprentice Academy, a program that continues to produce high-level talent. Fellow apprentice Taylor Johnstone was named Dux Runner-Up after a season that included Black-Type success, further highlighting the depth coming through the South Australian system.
The Academy, now based at its purpose-built Somerton Park facility, currently supports 22 apprentices, including 10 metropolitan-licensed riders, and has built a reputation as one of the country’s premier development pathways.
For Livesey, Thursday night was about more than a trophy. It was confirmation she is on a trajectory that has already carried others from Adelaide to the biggest stages in racing.
2026 Racing SA Apprentice Academy Award Winners
- Australian Racehorse Owners Association Above and Beyond Award – Sophie Potter
- SA Bookmakers League Longest Priced Winner Award – Felicity Atkinson (Shiffany $101)
- SA Thoroughbred Breeders Best Winning Strike Rate – Sophie Potter (16%)
- Simone Montgomerie First Year Apprentice Award – Alyssa Webb
- Caitlin Forrest Memorial Award – Sophie Potter
- SA Trainers Association Most Winners in an Academy Year – Caitlin Tootell (62 wins)
- SAJC Rising Star Award (2nd/3rd Year Apprentice) – Alysha Warren
- Minister for Racing Ride of the Year – Alana Livesey
- Country Racing SA Special Achievement Award – Isaac Sit | Alana Livesey | Taylor Johnstone | Rochelle Milnes
- Sydney “Paper Mac” and Nancy McDonald Award – Polly Brewster
- SA Jockeys Association Endeavour and Sportsmanship Award – Alana Livesey
- Dux Runner-Up – Taylor Johnstone
- Dux of the SA Apprentice Academy – Alana Livesey
- Master of the Dux Award – Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle
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