The Mungindi Cup in far north western New South Wales won’t be watched by many and is hardly regarded as a prestigious race on the Australian racing calendar but it remains the most important race for South Coast jockey Kayla McEwen.

The New South Wales country jockey is ready for “take two” to set the record straight when she returns to Mungindi on Saturday, July 7 for their annual cup meeting.

McEwen made a promise to her new born baby Elisha that one day she would go to the remote country town of Mungindi where her partner Kris died after being transferred there thirteen years.

“He was transferred up there with Racing New South Wales and died of an asthma attack two months before we were supposed to be married,” McEwen said.

“I couldn’t go up there because I had the baby and there was nowhere suitable for us to live at first. They were trying to find accommodation for us so we could be together.”

“I want to take her there and show her the ambulance station to give her some background on her dad.”

“He died when she was only six months old, she never got to know him. He would be so proud if he could see her today.”

McEwen made the long trip last year and was excited about riding Bang Clang Alang in the cup but after riding the winner of the previous race, Salt Shaker, she ended up through the outside fence when he failed to take the corner pulling up after the race.

The club doctor had no choice but stand her down for the rest of her rides and she had to watch the cup from the stand and see Bang Clang Alang run second for Jeff Kehoe.

Now the determined McEwen is heading back to the remote country town next week for a second attempt to set the record straight and fulfil her promise to her daughter and try to win the Mungindi Cup.