New Zealand born rider turned Sydney Metropolitan jockey, Jason Collett, has had a whirl wind career riding in New Zealand, Australia and Macau over the past twelve months along with overcoming some major obstacles. The young hoop was presented the title for the 2011-12 Champion New Zealand Apprentice collecting 82 wins over the season, and has recently made the permanent move to Sydney. Having established a close association with Chris Waller in his pursuit to compete amongst some of the industry’s best, we had the pleasure of spending five minutes with the young gun.

Tell us about where it all started.
I rode ponies from a young age, probably about 5 or 6 years old, showjumping at the local AMP Shows for fun. I then started riding track work when I was 13 before school to earn a bit of pocket money and began riding race day when I was 17. My association with Chris Waller came about through being given a two week sponsorship from the apprentice school in New Zealand I attended. So, I did that for two weeks and then a year later he asked me to come back for three months and a year later I moved back here.

How does riding in Sydney differ from riding in New Zealand?
The noticeable difference between the two is the prizemoney on offer. The increase in country, provincial and metropolitan meetings here is a huge help for both riders and trainers. Another difference I have found is the racing patterns; here we tend to sit and sprint compared to New Zealand where it’s more on pace. The lifestyle in Sydney is a lot different to back home as well.

Was the decision to move to Australia an easy choice?
I wouldn’t say it was easy, but I wouldn’t say it was hard either. It was always on the back of my mind to come back. After my 3 month stint I went home to ride and had a bad fall which put on the sidelines for a while, and it wasn’t until I came back from that, that I really wanted to return to Sydney and make the most of my riding career.

Any major setbacks or issues you’ve had?
The accident I had last year made me question if I still wanted to ride. In the four months I had off I went to a couple of racemeetings and realised that was still what I wanted to do. Weight wise, I find it pretty easy to stay light – it’s just a matter of eating well and keeping a consistent training routine going.

Best horse you have been associated with?
November Rain. I won the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes on her at Waikato in New Zealand and dad trains her so it was a pretty good feeling winning for your family.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?
My dad, he got me riding. He taught me everything and has supported me from day one.

Who is your all-time favourite horse?
Makybe Diva. I prefer riding a stayer and she was one of the greats.

Trainers and other people in the industry you look up to?
My dad, Richard, who trains back in New Zealand. He has been a huge help in getting my career going and supporting both me and my two sisters who also ride. The other would be Chris Waller; not only is he a great trainer but he has played a significant role in helping me make the move to Sydney.

Would you rather ride a horse to win $1million in prizemoney or ride a Group 1 winner?
I’m yet to win a Group 1 feature, so a Group 1 for sure. I’ve come second twice in two Group 1’s back in New Zealand and hopefully this season I get the opportunity to ride in one here.

Melbourne Cup or Golden Slipper?
Melbourne Cup.

What are you looking forward to this season?
I’m really looking forward to riding in the Sydney Metropolitan area and hopefully getting a good book of rides each meeting to help become a more established rider here.

If it wasn’t for racing, you’d be…
A Pilot.

QUICK FIRE ROUND
Full Name: Jason Richard Collett
D.O.B: 18/05/1991
Nickname: Ace
Food or Sleep: Food
Favourite Food: Steak
Favourite Colour: Blue
Favourite Movie: The Italian Job
Favourite Country to ride in: Australia
Winning a major race or being consistent: Winning a major race
If I could be anyone for 24 hours, I’d be: Mark Whiteman, @Speedway_jock – so I could race Stock Cars.
Something interesting: I used to play rugby in high school, but obviously wasn’t going to make it as a Prop for the All Blacks.