Trainer Will Hulbert has stepped in to offer experienced but out-of-favour jockey Bailey Wheeler a pathway back into the racing industry after the rider had fallen out of favour with leading stables.
Wheeler, once considered a promising talent, had run out of opportunities with other stables, most recently Rob Heathcoate, and was at risk of falling off the professional radar.
Hulbert said he couldn’t just stand by without giving Wheeler support, describing the situation in candid terms and making it clear he felt compelled to help.
“I would have felt terrible if he ended up in a bad place in life because racing kicked him out,” Hulbert told Racenet via Ben Dorries.
“I would be dirty on myself if I didn’t throw him a bone.
“I am hoping it will work because our stable has a more relaxed atmosphere and it’s not the hustle and bustle of a bigger stable where he would have to ride 10-15 horses every morning.
“I have told Bailey we start working horses at 5am and as long as he gets there by 6am and punches a few horses around, that is fine by me.
“And then he just has to come in the odd afternoon and give a few horses a walk.”
Under Hulbert’s guidance, Wheeler now has a chance to rebuild his career, regain confidence and prove his commitment to racing. The move has been welcomed by some in the industry as a rare lifeline for a jockey whose future appeared uncertain.
