Episode 295: Regan Bayliss

Great to catch up with a young jockey who’s crammed a lot into his 24 years. Regan talks about the impressive win by Ballistic Lover at Rosehill on Saturday May 15th. He reviews the impressive win by Brandenburg in the inaugural running of The Coast at Gosford on May 8th, and future plans for the gelding. Regan talks of his Queensland upbringing and the happy days riding ponies on the Ripley property owned by his paternal grandparents. He talks of the influence of his jockey father Jamie Bayliss who rode 250 winners in the first phase of his career. Regan is still in awe of his father’s decision to move to Victoria when he and brother Jake both expressed a desire to follow in his footsteps. The young horseman looks back on his two phase apprenticeship- initially to Peter Moody and later with Hayes,Hayes and Dabernig. He remembers with affection his flying start as a race rider- a winner at his first attempt. Regan reflects on his first city winner, and his first stakes success. He talks of the thrilling occasion when he rode in a race at Mornington against his brother Jake and father Jamie who was on the comeback trail. The twenty four year old talks of the golden opportunity afforded him by David Hayes to ride the imported sprinter Redkirk Warrior. He still has to pinch himself to believe he won three Melbourne Gr 1’s on the exciting horse and got to ride him on the famous Newmarket course in England. Regan acknowledges a few more Melbourne winners who helped him gain recognition and the Hong Kong season which was marred by a wrist injury. The jockey reveals that he was encouraged to try his luck in Sydney by Randwick trainer Anthony Cummings who continues to support him generously. He talks of two talented Cummings horses Libertini and Mizzy. Regan talks of his chance meeting with partner Sheridan Paine at a Golden Slipper meeting. The daughter of former jockey Neil Paine soon joined him in Melbourne, and later accompanied him to Hong Kong when a surprise offer came up. He talks of his ability to ride lighter than the majority of jockeys, and his resolution to stay in Sydney for the long haul.