Determined Apprentice In Second Chance At Racing
13 August, 2018
Thoroughbred
Kristy Bennett admits she was too young and too immature during her first foray into racing, but believes that experience has only added to her determination to succeed second time round.
Bennett, from a non-racing background, walked away from the sport as a 17-year-old after she struggled to make the transition and adjust to the commitments and demands of life as an apprentice jockey.
But after a few years working with one of Australia’s leading trainers, Darren Weir, in Melbourne, Bennett rediscovered her appetite for racing and makes her riding debut at Belmont on Wednesday.
“It all got too much for me in the beginning and with no previous background in racing it was a bit of a shock for me,” Bennett said.
“I wasn’t strong enough mentally and physically and I wanted to get that right before I thought about coming back to riding.”
Bennet believes she has a better understanding of racing and says time spent with Weir was an experience that money could not buy.
“I got to ride some of their Group 1 winning horses and I took that as a compliment to me,” Bennett said.
“But they also taught me confidence and to trust and never underestimate my ability.
“And they showed me how to enjoy being a rider and what I do.
“I was really happy over there, but I missed home.
“In the back of my mind I was coming home to study or restart my apprenticeship.
“But I love horses more and I love being around them.”
Bennett says she’s had no shortage of support since returning to Perth, including from host trainer, Nick Cox.
“He didn’t really need an apprentice, but said if I needed his help he was happy to lend support,” Bennett said.
“He is so great to work with and is always looking out for me whether at track work or watching my trials.”
Bennett says she is experiencing a range of emotions before her debut on the Paul Jordan-trained Chinetti in the Tabtouch Sprint (1000m).
Bennett is no stranger to Chinetti and reunites with gelding after combining to take out a 1000m trial at Belmont last month.
“I feeling nervous, but it’s a good nervous,” Bennett said.
“I’m excited and think he is a good chance.
“I’m just happy to be in my first race.
“I just want to be the best I can be.”
Julio Santarelli