Episode 492: Aaron Bullock

Aaron Bullock has emerged in the last five years as one of Australia’s most consistent jockeys. In the 2022/2023 season his astounding strike rate saw him win the national jockey’s title with 207.5 winners. He’s due to return to the saddle at the end of the month following a two month injury layoff. While he had a little spare time on his hands the father-to-be was happy to talk to us about his meteoric rise in the riding ranks. Aaron says he can’t wait to get cracking again.  He says his weight is under control as he nears a return to the saddle. The heavyweight jockey talks about the Newcastle fall in July which aggravated an old injury. Aaron talks about the impending birth of his first child with wife Amelia (nee Denby). He gives Amelia much of the credit for his continued success. Aaron talks of childhood days in Tumut and his first glimpse of thoroughbreds at the local races. He recalls the family’s move to Singleton and his subsequent apprenticeship to trainer Todd Howlett whose career was just getting under way. Aaron has never forgotten his first serious gallop at Muswellbrook. He says he couldn’t get the hang of it. There was one particular morning when everything fell into place. Young Bullock suddenly felt he was a jockey at last. He remembers his first ride and his initial win. Sadly his enthusiasm didn’t last, and he made the decision to walk away from racing. Fast forward to 2019 when Aaron hit a major hurdle. He remembers a positive test to a banned substance and a six month disqualification. Aaron says his transformation began in the 2019/2020 season. He’s ridden 644 winners since with a national premiership thrown in. He talks about his duel with Queenslander James Orman in the closing weeks of the 2022/2023 season. Aaron says his commitment to clients on provincial and country tracks keeps him away from city meetings. Every now and again he’ll be lured to town to ride a promising horse. Know Thyself is one of those horses. He also gives a thumbs up to English mare Clear Thinking. The jockey acknowledges some of his favourite horses and horsemen. Aaron pays a special tribute to the jockey he most admires. He makes special mention of Amelia’s successful riding career. It’s a laid back chat with an inspirational bloke.