Lady and the champ: Nock in box seat but Grima closing gap

Monday, June 22, 2026

Reigning Sydney apprentice champion Braith Nock leads the 2025/26 city premiership with 29 wins, closely pursued by rising star Siena Grima, who has recorded 24 victories and gained momentum with recent metropolitan successes. With 11 metropolitan meetings remaining before the season ends on July 29, the intense competition between the two jockeys could determine only the fourth successful title defense by an apprentice this century.

Reigning Sydney apprentice champion Braith Nock and rising talent Siena Grima are set to continue their close competition for the 2025/26 city premiership with 11 metropolitan meetings remaining in the racing season.

Nock, who secured last season’s title with 40 wins, currently leads the standings with 29 victories. The Hunter Valley native is on course to become only the fourth apprentice this century to successfully defend the Sydney premiership. However, Grima, who has claimed 24 wins so far this season, is rapidly closing the gap following a strong late run.

Over the past week, Grima secured four metropolitan wins, including a recent triumph on Tazima for trainer Chris Waller at Royal Randwick. The Tamworth-born jockey, 23, credits Waller’s ongoing support for her success after joining his stable on a three-month loan in December. Initially adjusting to the challenges of city racing and competing against some of Australia’s leading riders, Grima has gained significant momentum since the conclusion of Sydney’s autumn carnival.

“I didn’t think I would be able to pick up so many wins so quickly,” Grima said. “The goal was always to win the premiership but I always thought next year would be the go, so to have it so close is really exciting.” She added that with many top metropolitan jockeys currently racing elsewhere or on holiday, Waller has provided her with ample opportunities to demonstrate her abilities.

The rivalry between Nock and Grima adds a compelling dynamic to the premiership race. Grima described their competition as a friendly but intense battle. “We are very competitive riders,” she said. “We don’t speak that much but he is a great rider, so to hopefully win the premiership over him would be a great feat in itself.” Grima also acknowledged Nock’s strength in metropolitan racing and the challenge involved in overtaking him.

Both apprentices retain claims in city races—Grima with a 2kg allowance and Nock at 1.5kg. Despite the narrowing margin, Nock maintains a commanding lead statewide with a total of 80 winners this season across all tracks.

The Sydney metropolitan season is scheduled to conclude with the Randwick Kensington meeting on July 29, setting the stage for a tantalizing final stretch in the apprentice premiership contest.