They say hard work pays off, and that is indeed the case for jockey John Kissick, who is now the official stable rider for the powerful country stable of Brett Cavanough. Kissick said he didn’t need asking twice when the opportunity arose.
“Brett Cavanough asked me if I’d be interested in doing jumpouts so I’ve been going over and doing some jumpouts for him,” Kissick toldJusthorseracing.
John Kissick
“We have also had a bit of previous success together on the odd occasion as an apprentice so when he asked me to become stable rider i thought it was a great opportunity.”
“Brett is a well accomplished trainer and has won the leading trainer in the area on 11 occasions I believe so it was always an easy decision.”
The Autumn Carnival is just around the corner, as is the Championships, and most notably for the Cavanough stable, the Country Championships, and given the talent the stable has heading in that direction, Kissick is looking forward to the prospect of riding with the racing world watching.
“Ruark is a nice horse as are proven gallopers like Just A Bullet, The Monstar and newly emerged Cinastar who looks promising,” The hoop said.
“So I’m very much looking forward to the next couple of months in particular, because there are some quality horses heading towards some quality races.”
Cavanough has realised the talent Kissick has in the saddle, but you only have to rewind a couple of years and the premier trainer in Australia, Chris Waller, saw that talent too and for a period of time had Kissick as his stable apprentice, and while he loved that stint in the city, the jockey said that he realised, unlike a couple of previous apprentices in Sydney, that the lifestyle wasn’t his go.
“I was at Mr Wallers for close to 12 months,” He said.
“I loved the experience and was riding some really quality horseflesh.”
“Chris and the team are the ultimate professionals and I was very privileged to ride for them as stable apprentice and will be forever grateful.”
“Unfortunately the town scene isn’t for me; It’s a personal choice and I prefer the country lifestyle.”
