Episode 457: Kyle Wilson-Taylor

The brilliant young Brisbane jockey is under suspension as this podcast is posted. He’s not happy about this one or the many that have preceded it in his short career so far. In the main his suspensions are the result of trying too hard to win. He’s a driven young man who harbours a desire to make his mark in the shortest possible time. Slowly but surely he’s realising the error of his ways. Kyle tells his story with total honesty and great sensitivity. He begins by outlining a new understanding of his responsibility when riding in races. The young jockey says he’s fortunate that his weight remains stable during suspension layoffs. Kyle takes us back to childhood days in Victoria and some tough times for his mother and siblings. He reminisces about his dislike of the classroom and the surprise invitation to ride a horse at a school camp. He says this was life’s defining moment. The jockey says he was only twelve years old when he first started to spend time at the Seymour stables of Lee and Shannon Hope.  He’s never forgotten the help he received from Bronwyn Upjohn at a Kilmore breaking and pre-training operation. Kyle pays tribute to the grandfather who offered him encouragement and guidance. He’s totally frank as he looks back on his attitude to life in mid teens, and a brush with drugs.  The jockey gives credit to an uncle who talked him into getting away from Victoria. From here the Wilson-Taylor story takes an amazing turn. He recalls turning up at Coffs Harbour racecourse and offering his services as a trackwork rider. Kyle has never forgotten the support offered by local trainer Brett Dodson. They’re still great mates. You can hear the delight in his voice as he reminisces about his first day of race riding. He was in disbelief when one of his three mounts greeted the judge. Kyle looks back on the Grafton race fall that decimated his confidence. He actually left racing and worked in other roles. He talks of his return to racing and a stint with Dwayne Schmidt at Grafton and the beginning of his friendship with racing administrator Michael Beattie. The jockey talks of his association with manager Glenn Courtney and a move to a new life at Toowoomba. On his very first night at Clifford Park he met his partner, aspiring jockey Angela Jones. He acknowledges the support of trainer Lindsay Hatch. Kyle recalls some of his memorable days at the races including a five timer at Doomben. He looks back on a brief association with the emerging champion stayer Incentivise. Understandably he enjoys reminiscing about his day of days at Eagle Farm last June- a Gr 1 win on talented mare Palaisipan. Kyle says he enjoys an occasional return to NSW northern rivers meetings. He reviews an outstanding day at the Lismore Cup meeting last September. He looks back on brief associations with top mares Hinged and Gypsy Goddess. Kyle talks of his total obsession with racing and his addiction to the Sky Racing coverage. The jockey looks at his only two hit and run missions to Sydney. In conclusion the young jockey offers encouragement to young people who might be on the wrong track or heading that way.