Relocating to Australia was a matter of when and not if for jockey, Elisha Whittington.
It’s a long journey from England to Perth, but for Whittington it’s been years in the making and the wait has been worth it.
Leaving home and saying goodbye to family and friends for the most isolated city in the world could have been daunting, but Whittington has embraced the challenge and its fulfilled a life-long dream.
After thinking she had blown an opportunity to come out to Australia previously and link up with one of the world’s best training operations, 27-year-old Whittington jumped at the chance of starting a new chapter of her career in Perth.
Laying the groundwork to head west and giving her a nudge along was a network of close family and friends in Perth, but clinching the deal to come down under was a visit to Ascot and soaking up the race day atmosphere as a visitor.
Whittington needed no more encouragement or enticement; her fate was sealed. She was leaving Liverpool. Two weeks post that Ascot summer meeting she packed her bags and for at least the next three years is content to call Australia home.
“My family have friends here and come and visit every year,” Whittington said to Racing WA.
“This year I came out with them and went to Ascot racecourse on a Saturday.
“It went on from there, I went back home and sorted through getting a working visa.
“I came out four weeks ago and have been in Australia now for two weeks.
“I literally fell in love with the place and I was made to feel welcome.
“My parents have their best friends here and have daughters my age, I’m also friends with them.
“It’s nice to catch up with friends I haven’t seen for a long time.
“They always said I need to come out and I only decided at the last second to book my flight.
“I was always too scared of missing rides in England, but thought I would actually go this time.
“I love it here, I really do and my dad will be back in November, he comes out a lot.”
Whittington has hit the ground running and with a busy schedule of rides she’s been given a bird’s eye view of her adopted homes vastness and contrast.
She’s ridden in 14 races since her Australian debut last Friday at Albany, before travelling to Geraldton and Esperance where she booted home her first Australian winner on First Law.
Her priority now is to cement her profile in Australia and develop connections that can lead to further success, but she’s been overwhelmed by the support she’s received.
Leading the hospitality and laying out the welcome mat has been trainer Luke Fernie, who was instrumental in helping Whittington make the switch to Perth.
Whittington is rapt to be associated with a top stable after the opportunity of linking up with one of Australia’s most powerful set ups passed her by a few years back.
Also lending huge support and establishing a close bond has been Perth jockey, Madi Derrick, in the limelight herself in the past month after capturing her biggest race wins on Twain’s Angel.
“When I got home to England I sent Luke an email asking for work and he got back to me and said when do I want to come,” Whittington said.
“I got offered a job in Sydney two years ago with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and I turned it down because I didn’t want to leave England, so when the opportunity popped up again I thought this might have meant to be.
“John Claite, the jockey coach, has also been very good to me and introduced me to a lot of people.
“I was made to feel welcomed before I even arrived and got anything arranged.
“It’s nice that trainers have supported me straight away, the minute I’ve landed.
“I’m living with Madi Derrick and honest to god, she’s like a sister already, she’s amazing.”
Whittington’s ascension to becoming one of Britain’s most exciting young riders came despite not having a background or involvement in racing.
Sporting talent runs through the family with her brother a professional middleweight boxer, but Whittington was drawn to horses after rescuing a pony as a teenager.
She dabbled in other sporting interests at college, playing rugby and studying for a sports diploma, but Whittington’s heart was set on joining the racing industry.
She made her riding debut in 2017, partnering Chosen Character and steered home her first winner, Barnaby Brook, at Wolverhampton.
On the same day as reaching her milestone debut victory at Haydock, Whittington received the Godolphin Recognition Award, a prize that identifies the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff.
New home, new experiences, new memories. Whittington said she’s excited for what the future has in store for her.
“My visa is for three years, but I’ve only booked a one way ticket to be honest,” Whittington said.
“I’m just going to take each day as it comes and enjoy every moment and see what happens.
“For now, I’m not planning on going back to England any time soon.”
