Former Harden man and apprentice jockey Nick Heywood said he has no plans to rush to the city despite outriding his country claim on the Victorian/New South Wales border city of Albury on the weekend.
Quietly spoken, calm and confident beyond his years, Nick goes about his rides with limited fuss. He was pretty happy with his 80th winner on Dalrada which carried 58 kilos on Sunday in the Laser Electrical Benchmark 60 Handicap (900m).
“It’s been a good goal to get to,” said Heywood “It’s hard to do, it’s taken me two and a half years to get there, which is not too bad.”
City trainers have noticed the 19 year olds talent and he has had plenty of phone calls, however, he wants to stay in Wagga for the time being.
“I want to stay around here for a little while, I’m in no rush anyway,” he said. “I’ll play it by ear. I can do a lot of travel up and down the highway and ride more in those areas where I have a claim and hopefully get more wins.”
“I’ve still got a lot to improve on anyway. I want to improve my craft before I go up there.”
While Heywood will no longer be able to use his apprentices claim, in the country, the young Hoop can still claim three kilograms at all of the provincial and city race meetings he rides at.
His father, former local and trainer Chris Heywood, is happy for Nick to stay in Wagga. “He will go eventually, and I’ve spoken to a couple of trainers, but there is no big rush,” Chris said.
“If he’s going to go, the best time may be closer to winter time. He can still travel from here easy enough and he’s probably better off here for a little while. He’s just starting to get his foot in the door with people in this area so I think he can stay here for a little while and get his confidence right up.”
Heywood has enjoyed such a strong start to the season that he is leading the Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) jockey’s premiership. The 19-year-old has ridden 15 winners in the SDRA this season to lead by one from Richard Bensley, John Kissick and fellow apprentice Brooke Sweeney.
Heywood only began race riding in 2013 and took out the SDRA apprentice’s title in his first full season of riding.
He has 10 provincial wins under his belt and he wants to get more chances in the city. He has his sights set on a maiden metropolitan victory.
Heywood has a high work ethic. He doesn’t rest on his laurels, after claiming his 80th country win he headed to Moruya on Sunday to ride 7 horses. Although he didn’t pick up a winner on Sunday, he rode 3 horses to places.
The Country Championships Wagga heat will be held on Saturday, 27 February 2016 over 1400m where Heywood hopes to pick up a ride.
Nick is pictured being led by sister Brittany during the Country Championships held in Wagga last year.
