Nick Heywood aboard Thunder Road in a 3800 metre race at Wagga on July 18 2017.
Former Harden man Nick Heywood has taken out the Southern District Racing Association’s Jockey Championship, after Tuesday’s meeting at Albury.
Heywood was one win in front of fellow rider Nick Souquet going in to the last day of the season.
It meant a draw if Souquet could pull a win off during the 7 race card.
Race 1 saw both men with rides with Souquet placing second by .45 lengths whilst Heywood brought home Dezzy in 5th position.
Race 2 saw Souquet first past the post with Heywood 20 lengths behind on Captain Ryder.
This brought both men to a draw for the Championship before the ensuing races, meaning a draw would be on the cards if either man couldn’t claim another win.
Race 3 saw Heywood put a scare through Souquet after he finished second and Souquet finished 19 lengths last on Tixson.
Race 4 was an interesting affair with both men finishing second last and last over 33 lengths behind the eventual winner, Monsoon Charlie, trained by Nick’s father Chris Heywood.
3 races remained for both men to break the deadlock and take the outright winners’ rights.
Heywood seized the opportunity in the following race, guiding Squidensquizz home beating Souqet’s King Joey by 7.5 lengths.
Neither Heywood or Souquet had a ride in race 6 and with Souquet without a ride in the last, the title was Nick’s.
He nearly went 2 wins in front coming home in second place by just 0.02 lengths behind Treasure Boss ridden by Brendan Ward.
Nick was happy to claim the title but sees the win as just another ride in a six race card where he attempts to do his best on every horse he rides.
Although very humble, the achievement is highly regarded as Heywood spends his time between country, provincial and metro tracks, meaning he is not always riding in the Southern Districts.
Nick said, “He was one behind and he rode a winner then I did, it would have been a draw otherwise.”
Heywood is more interested in riding consistently for owners and trainers and is based out of Wagga meaning he travels to Canberra and Goulburn on a weekly basis. Wednesday sees Heywood ride Catmosphere at Warwick Farm amongst seasoned and famous jockeys including Tim Clark, Jay Ford, Melbourne Cup winner Kerrin McEvoy, James McDonald and Winx’s jockey Hugh Bowman.
He heads to Goulburn Friday, Gundagai Sunday, Forbes Monday and Moruya on Tuesday.
Heywood drives to most of the tracks and often travels with others in the industry heading to each meeting.
Although he struggles with his weight the future continues to look bright for the young hoop.
