Meet Ashlee Strawbridge

Daughter of highly successful jumps jockey Michelle Strawbridge (née Hopkins), Ashlee didn’t have the conventional start to racing one might imagine. Despite riding ponies throughout her childhood, Ashlee initially chose a different path, pursuing a law degree after finishing high school. While studying in Christchurch, she continued riding trackwork, and it wasn’t long before Ashlee realised where her true passion lay. She returned home to Te Awamutu to pursue an apprenticeship with close family friend Debbie Sweeney and begin building a career in the saddle.

Part of the inaugural intake of the Elite Jockey Programme, Ashlee is now in the third year of her apprenticeship and continuing to establish herself among New Zealand’s emerging riding talent. Ashlee was the recent recipient of the Ngakau Hailey Trophy for the Most Improved Apprentice Jockey at the Northern Apprentice Jockey Awards for the 2025-26 season.

BACK TO JOCKEYS