Stables trying to entice the leading apprentice in NSW racing to the city will have to wait another season before making a bid for his services.
Riverina-based apprentice John Kissick, who has three rides at Canterbury on Wednesday, wants to spend another 12 months under the guidance of respected Leeton trainer Peter Clancy.
“There has been some interest and I’ve had a few offers but I would rather stay in the bush for now,” Kissick, who turns 21 next month, told AAP.
“I have decided that I am going to stay for another year and then probably look at moving to the city for the last year of my apprenticeship.”
Kissick, who rode a Canterbury winner for Goulburn trainer Danny Williams in February, has had 78 victories on NSW tracks in 2011-2012.
He is 13 wins clear of Sydney apprentice Chad Schofield in the race for the state junior title.
His tally also puts him in the top 10 for all NSW riders.
Kissick lost his country claim earlier in the season but will have the benefit of a 3kg allowance as he eases his way into metropolitan racing.
“I’ve been riding without a claim in the country for a while now and it hasn’t made any difference to the number of rides I’ve been getting,” he said.
“I think it’s just a case of getting on a roll and keeping that roll going.
“The plan at the moment is to travel down for the midweeks to increase my opportunities.”
Kissick has taken Canterbury rides for leading out-of-town conditioners Bede Murray and Nick Olive as well as Gosford trainer Gavin Andrews.
Early markets have pinpointed the Andrews-trained Shamus as the best chance of the trio but Kissick said he was especially keen to impress on Natch Catch for Olive.
“I’ve only had one ride for Mr Olive and it wasn’t one of my best so I owe him,” Kissick said.
