With a pedigree page filled with riding talent, many would have thought White Robe Lodge apprentice Corey Campbell was destined to be a jockey.
Campbell officially started his riding career with his first race-day ride on High Forty at Wingatui on Monday.
In doing so, he continued the proud family record his late father Colin, mother Gabrielle and sister Adele have already compiled. The trio were all race-winning jockeys, an accomplishment Corey is eager to achieve himself.
After completing his first ride, the 15-year-old described his first taste of race-day action as a fast one.
''One minute we were at the gates, the next minute we were pulling up at the winning post.''
Although he did feel some nerves as he took High Forty on his preliminary, his fellow jockeys were supportive as the pair made their way to the barriers.
''They were all very helpful. They gave me a few pointers.''
With his family roots firmly planted in the Wingatui galloping scene, it is easy to predict the youngster was bound to become a jockey.
However, a career in the saddle was not in Campbell's plans when he was speeding around Forbury Park as part of the Kidz Kartz harness racing programme.
The apprentice took a liking to the feeling of horsepower on wheels when steering ponies to race victories before entering his teenage years.
'' I never thought I would be a jockey. I did the Kidz Kartz and I wanted to be a harness driver.''
Campbell's mother, Gabrielle, is still a leading administrator with the Kidz Karts Otago programme.
That gives her a foot in both codes as she also holds a thoroughbred trainer's licence.
It was on one of his mother's horses, during his early teenage years, that Campbell got his first taste of thoroughbred horse power.
Two years ago, the jockey first rode slower pacework, before then stepping up to riding a racehorse at full gallop.
That was when Campbell knew he had found his future career.
''I got on Mum's horse and rode him round for a bit. Then I gave him my first gallop and I thought this is for me.''
Following that, Campbell started working on Saturdays and during the school holidays for trainers Brian and Shane Anderton.
To launch his career, Campbell finished his schooling at Taieri College at the end of last year, before starting his apprenticeship at White Robe Lodge.
After four to five months of riding in jumpouts, the jockey eventually got his race-day licence, which culminated in him having his first race ride on Monday.
Brian Anderton gave his apprentice a tick of approval following his first race-day ride.
The trainer described Campbell as a keen and hard-working youngster.
Campbell also praised Anderton for the help he has given him in starting his career.
''He knows just about everything there is. He is very, very supportive.''
The jockey also said Shane Anderton provided him with that same knowledge and support.
Finding his first winner is Campbell's main career goal at the moment.
Once he has achieved that, he would set more specific goals for himself, he said.
Until then, the jockey would be looking to find more race-day rides so he can not only complete his first career goal, but add to an already remarkable legacy his family has in Otago racing.
-By Jonny Turner
