When he received the news early last week that his application for a riding licence in Singapore for next season had been approved, Jake Bayliss acknowledged that it was such a momentous moment in his life that he cried.
Talking nearly a week later, that emotion is still raw and its continued presence merely emphasises just how much the opportunity means to the young rider, particularly given the poignant background to a two year journey that has carried him to this point in time.
“Two years ago I went to apply for the licence in Singapore, but my grandfather got sick and with the work that was needed on the family farm, I stayed put for the family’s sake and was happy to do so. Family comes first,” explained Bayliss.
“I thought that the opportunity might have been missed, because they look right into the résumés there and it is not an easy place to get in and establish yourself.
“I thought I might have missed the boat. I sort of dwelt on it for those two years, but I was happy I had done what was right.
“Then, about two months ago, I was watching Singapore races. I knew the licensing process was coming up and I just thought to myself, the farm has dialled down … there is not much work to do there. Nan’s well. The farm is well. There is plenty of rain and plenty of feed and water, so everything is looking after itself … and I thought, if not now I’ll probably kick myself for the rest of my life, so I decided to just try my luck and send in an application.
“It looked like a good résumé to my eye. I rode three Group 1 winners in New Zealand, five Group 2’s and four Group 3’s. The résumé was there. It was just whether it appealed to the licensing committee or not.
“Another worry was who else was applying because they only allow three new jockeys every year.
“When I applied, I reckon every day I thought about it. I just could not wait to hear what the result was going to be. Obviously, I was hoping for the best, but trying not to get too excited in case I got let down.
“I didn’t tell anyone, except for running it past my family, I just kept it to myself and then I got a phone call last Saturday from the Singapore Racing Club. It was an unofficial call without them saying that I had been confirmed, but it was almost a green light to go.
“I had to keep a lid on it for a couple of days, but it gave me some confidence that things were going to work out well. I then got the official phone call on Monday night … and so much emotion came out. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry and I was quick to phone the family and let them know the great news.
“I was very overwhelmed that I’d rolled the dice and come out on top. It’s not an opportunity that everybody gets and I’ll definitely be going over there with my head down and my backside up. I will be working hard to make the most of every opportunity I get.
“It is a twelve month licence and then it all depends on how you do during those twelve months and, obviously, if you are still happy with it too.
“I know I’ll be sticking it out for the long run. If they want to keep extending my contract, I’ll be staying.
“The new season starts on January 1. I think I’m going to be blessed to be able to spend Christmas at home here first. It just depends how long it takes for all of the paperwork to go through before I can take up my new challenges.
“I’m ready!”
