I’ve been thinking about training, track work and whether or not it’s better if a trainer can ride the horses he has in training to assess them, or if it’s better for him or her to watch.
From my point of view, trackwork form is obviously a crucial element in training; absolutely crucial.
You want to be getting good feedback and it’s this feedback which serves to assess how a horse is performing and what it needs.
It’s one of the most crucial aspects to each and every day.
Trainers like John Size, Tony Vasil, Kevin Moses all ride or have ridden their own work, and it’s contributed to their success. John Size believed it gave him an edge, and given his successes you’d have to believe him.
Being able to ride your work, I believe, is one of my biggest assets. Having been a jockey for so long, I can tell if a horse needs more work, if a horse is a little bit lame and needs shoeing, if there’s any muscle soreness, and all the little things. It’s these one percenters that add up and make a difference.
On the other side of the coin, trainers like Gerald Ryan, in particular, are of the opinion that trainers have to be able to watch their horses, and have an eye for those one percenters.
Being able to assess and identify exactly how your horse is performing just from watching is a skill I’m still learning. It’s not easy to do. And there’s really no right answer as to what’s better. It’s what suits each individual trainer.
I back my judgement when I ride my work; when I watch my horses, I’m learning every day. My years in the saddle are definitely an advantage – and I’m not saying I have everything perfect – but it’s something I can trust.
Now, if there’s one thing that all trainers will agree on, it’s the importance of your staff. Even if you do ride your horses to get an assessment of how they’re performing, no trainer can ride everything in the stable if they have more than a couple of horses in work!
You have to have work riders that you can trust. You need to be able to trust their judgement, and have faith in their ability to learn your methods and provide the right feedback. That’s what makes track work riders – and good ones at that – such an important part of the success of a stable.
Champagne Classic: Wicked Intent resumes
Queensland racing is at its best over the coming weeks. It’s a fantastic time of year up here. While there’s no stand-out horse like a Black Caviar up here, every race this Saturday has attracted good horses.
My bloke, Wicked Intent, is resuming in the two-year-old race on Saturday at Doomben, the Champagne Classic (1200m). It is by far the strongest of the two-year old races in Queensland this season.
I’m happy with the way he’s going but the wide raw (barrier 12) has made it difficult considering the depth in the race, which includes the Magic Millions winner Le Chef and Ken Russell winner Big Tree just to name a few.
Best of luck to all runners.
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