A photo collage made by Nick’s sister Brittany, for the 20 year olds recent birthday on January 21. A bright future is ahead for the dedicated jockey from the twin towns of Harden Murrumburrah.
Nick Heywood has overcome being concussed on Australia Day to be cleared for his ride on Flaming Aces at Moonee Valley tonight. The 20 year old will be lining up against some of Australia’s best Jockeys with the young Hoop taking part in his first race at 7:45pm
Heywood will be riding Leucura for his father Chris in Race 3. The 5 year old gelding who has the current form of 3 firsts and 3 placings in his last 7 outings, looks a good chance. He will be carrying the second highest weight in the race behind Red Corner at 61.5 kilograms and is equal favourite at $4.80 with Little Capri and Source Code. Chris said “First up his form is excellent, the race is well suited to him, if we get a little more rain and its soft for him he will thrive in it.”
Attention will be on Nick when he attemptts to make it 3 wins from 3 starts on Flaming Aces in Race 5 at 8:45pm. The 5 year old mare has proven to be an excellent acquisition for Brad Witt’s stable in Wagga after a purchase price of only $2,000. Nick’s grandfather Duke Heywood said “He’s just got great hands he has, he’s soft at the start and it lets the horses relax before he has to ask for an effort from them later in the race. There are quite a few trainers staring to see Nick’s talent, he is being likened to some big names like Brad and Nash Rawiller in the way he rides his horses.”
Nick’s 3rd ride of the night is in the 1600m, Benchmark 70 Handicap at 9:45pm. Motivado, trained by Brian Knight of Maldon Victoria will be looking to overcome a tough field. Nick will have to come up against some tough opposition also. Household names such as Oliver, Rawiller, Zahra, Dunn, Williams and Newitt. Nick isn’t worried by the $101 price tag on the 8 year old gelding who is carrying the top weight at 62 kilograms.
He said “There are some very good experienced jockeys in my races at the moment but I can’t let that worry me. I respect everything they have done in their careers and can learn a lot off them but I have one job to focus on in each race and that is doing my best to get my horse over the line in the best position I can.”
He proved his ability again recently by taking out the Snake Gully Cup on Zero To Ten. The 6 year old gelding by Danzero didn’t dissappoint. Heywood sat just off leader Lampedusa in second place before taking off at the 600 metre mark and taking the lead just 400 metres from home on the horse trained by Gundagai trainer Jim Scobie.
Heywood will head back up the Hume to Albury for what may be another 3 rides on Sunday before riding Sea Home at Nowra on Monday.
We wish both Chris, Nick and Brad good luck in tonight’s Moonee Valley races.
