Mitchell Shelves Retirement Talk
19 June, 2018
Thoroughbred
It doesn’t take long when in the company of Aaron Mitchell to appreciate that he has a passion to remain a jockey.
With a family background steeped in WA racing tradition, Mitchell has known little else since early childhood.
And it is the one thing that, in part due to his exceptional talent in the saddle, that he is well qualified to do.
To Mitchell, the world of thoroughbred racing and his role as a jockey in it, is nothing short of an obsession.
But unfortunately,due to his genetic make-up, Mitchell is taller than most jockeys and has weight problems.
Increasing weight is the scourge of any jockey and has been a constant demon alongside Mitchell, particularly in recent months.
In a bid to recharge is body and refresh his mind, Mitchell will take a break from race riding in Perth and work in Melbourne.
Despite an interstate move Mitchell insists his career is not at the crossroads and has shelved any talk of retirement.
If anything, Mitchell considers an indefinite stay in the heart of Australian racing, will be the spark to ignite his appetite for riding.
“I just felt the timing was right at the moment,” Mitchell said.
“The last couple of weeks has been hard getting rides and I think there will be more opportunities in Melbourne.
“I have been in contact with James Cumming and will ride track work for his Godolphin operation.
“I plan to ride in Melbourne at some stage, but it will be baby steps and a slow process.
“I will be at trials and jump outs to get the ball rolling and slowly build up.
“It will be a good refresh that I need.”
Mitchell, last season’s champion Perth apprentice, has ridden 14 winners in 2017-18. The pinnacle his association with gun juvenile, Valour Road.
Mitchell and the Simon Miller-trained Valour Road won the Group 2 Karrakatta Pate (1200m) in April and the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) last February.
Mitchell says despite a constant struggle with his weight the thought of retiring and giving the game away is not something he has seriously contemplated.
“I believe I can achieve so much more in racing,” Mitchell said.
“I don’t feel I’m ready to retire.
“There is a lot more to give.
“If I left now I don’t want to regret it down the track.
“It’s something I have always wanted to do as a kid and I don’t want to just throw it away.”
Julio Santarelli