Bailey Kennedy riding Twizel Magic in work at Wingatui yesterday. Photo by Tayler Strong.
He began riding track work at Wingatui this week with a view to becoming a jockey.
"I am hoping to be a jockey if I don't get too fat,'' the 31kg Bailey said.
He rode a thoroughbred in work as an 11yr-old and liked the experience.
"It's cool. I like how fast they go.''
He was riding a pony when he was 18 months old and has achieved success in the show ring, most recently in Christchurch when champion in his class. He has also been hunting.
He has been schooled in riding by his mother, Debbie, and father, Terry, the Wingatui trainer. Both are former successful jockeys.
Bailey has been riding work this week for his great-uncle, Brian Anderton, who has some horses of a quiet temperament to suit the youngster.
Brian was riding work as a 12yr-old for his father, the late Hector Anderton. Brian rode in his first race at 13, on Good Form at Beaumont in April, 1950. He rode his first winner at the age of 14 - White Robe - at Wyndham, six months later.
The minimum age for riding in a race as an apprentice jockey is now 15 years and 3 months. Bailey could ride as an amateur rider at the age of 15 and then commence an apprenticeship.
Meanwhile he will enter year 8 at St Marys School, Mosgiel, in February after the school holidays.
