Craig Grylls’ standout season brings Jockey Of The Year award

Craig Grylls has been rewarded for an outstanding season after winning the Jockey Premiership and being named Jockey of the Year at an award ceremony on Sunday night.

Grylls rode 140 winners last season, including 11 black-type victories and two Group One successes aboard Waitak.

Despite the demands of a long campaign, the popular jockey continues to enjoy his work. “I love what I do, I really do, it's a great job,” Grylls told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.

His strong form has already continued into the new season, with Grylls riding two winners at Ellerslie on Saturday including Pounce in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase.

He also had a winner earlier in the card, aboard With A Vengeance for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.

Of his eight rides on Saturday, he rode for six different trainers and Grylls gave credit to his manager Michael Coleman, who organizes his rides and maintains that strong network.

“Lucky enough to win the Sunline Vase on Pounce. She looks like a really nice filly going forward too,” he said.

Grylls has a highly successful association with Wexford Stables trainers Andrew Scott and Lance O’Sullivan. The partnership has produced 98 winners, while Grylls’ two Group One victories aboard Waitak have been among the career highlights.

“I'm looking forward to riding with him in the next two weeks. The mile and the 2000m is going to really suit him,” Grylls said of Waitak racing at Hastings in the Howden Insurance Mile on September 26th and then the Livamol Classic in mid-October.

Looking forward, Grylls nominated Hinekaha, for trainer Andrew Forsman, as one to follow when she returns this preparation, with the mare reportedly progressing well. – Trackside.co.nz