JORDAN Childs says he has taken time to hit his straps as a jockey, but being a late bloomer has worked in his favour.
Childs will ride in his first Group 1 race on Saturday, partnering Wheal Leisure for Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander in the South Australian Derby at Morphettville.
The 21-year-old has been in great form and, after his double at Sandown on Wednesday, will outride his claim with two more winners.
Childs said his apprenticeship was stalled by injuries early in his career.
He broke both wrists as a 17-year-old in a race fall at Hamilton in 2013 that ended the career of Peter Mertens. He also broke a hand at Kerang earlier that year in a fall.
“I’ve taken a while to get going again, but the last six months have been great. I finish my apprenticeship at the end of the season and I want to finish on a high,” Childs said.
He said advice from his father, former champion jockey Greg, who is best known for his association with Sunline, had been “a massive help”.
Jordan Childs will ride in his first Group 1 race on Saturday when he partners Wheal Leisure in the SA Derby at Morphettville. Picture: Colleen PetchSource:News Corp Australia
“He’s always giving me advice on what to do and what to do better,” he said.
Childs wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and enjoy a successful career. “You’ve got to be dedicated if you want to make it. I really want to so I’m prepared to do the work,” he said.
Childs is apprenticed to Kyneton trainer George Osborne, who has encouraged him to ride trackwork elsewhere, including Ballarat, where he has forged a strong partnership with Alexander. Alexander said on Wednesday Childs was as good as any jockey in Australia.
“He’s Greg Childs’ son but he’s had no favours. He’s had to work hard to get his opportunities and he’s got a great head on his shoulders,” Alexander said at Sandown.
Childs said he had ridden Wheal Leisure on Tuesday morning in trackwork and been pleased with her. “She’s in good order. Her form going in is quite good, especially after her good run in the Sydney Oaks,” he said.
His manager Peter Newcombe said he and Childs had identified the Ballarat training centre as the ideal place to ride trackwork. “He also rides work for Simon Morrish and Matt Cumani and he’s there if Darren Weir needs him as well,” Newcombe said.
Originally published as Childs stages strong late run
Sport | news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site
