On the sidelines with injury, enduring a frustrating run of operations and rehab, jockey Jaylah Kennedy is keen to get back to the track. In the meantime the 25-year-old took some time for us to get to know her a bit better…
Tell us about your family’s racing history.
My family have been involved in racing for generations, all jockeys turned trainers. My mum and dad still train a team of 20 odd in the South Island of New Zealand.
Did you always want to be a jockey?
No, I always knew it could be an option but wanted to give something else a go until I didn’t. Haha!
What is your first racing memory?
Always remember watching one of dad’s best two-year-olds winning the Welcome Stakes on debut at Riccarton.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Berkeley Square, a big gentle giant who has given me plenty of thrills on and off the track.
Who is the best horse you have ridden?
Had a spin on Mr Brightside at Werribee jump-outs – legend!
Who is the best horse you have seen?
Have to say Winx.
Your favourite racing moment?
Any winner I’ve ridden for my boss! Probably our first metropolitan winner together & winning our hometown cup.
Best ride of another jockey you have seen?
Hmm plenty. Loved J Mac’s ride on Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup. He copped some slack and obviously a suspension but I thought it was genius.
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
Haha, like anyone… plenty!!
Which horse currently racing would you love to be riding?
I’m on my tenth month and counting on the sideline… I would take any!
Which horse from the past would you love to have ridden?
Makybe Diva.
Do you think horses know they have won?
Absolutely.
Do you have any racing superstitions?
Too many, I’m not telling anyone though!
Imaginary dinner, you can invite three racing people, three outside of racing (alive or dead), who are they?
Bjorn Baker, Bart Cummings and Damien Oliver.
Timothée Chalamet, Cillian Murphy and Margot Robbie.
If you time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
2002, Ollie winning the Melbourne Cup on Media Puzzle.
Who do you admire most in racing?
My parents.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
Plenty, probably not appropriate to tell the interweb!
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Love going to the gym, walking and coffee with a good audiobook, going for a run (when I’m not broken down).
What is your favourite T.V show/book?
Don’t watch a lot of TV but loved Peaky Blinders. I read lots of books. Always fall back to Ned Brockmann’s book *Fire Up* when I’m lacking motive.
Best concert you’ve seen?
So many, Coldplay was amazing.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
You’re never promised tomorrow.
Favourite food?
Margherita pizza.
Favourite racecourse?
Sandown.
If you had not been a jockey what would you have done?
I don’t know, scary thought. Maybe a police woman.
