New Queensland jockey Martin Harley reveals 2022/23 season aim

Group 1-winning jockey Martin Harley has wasted no time rising to the top of the Queensland rankings as he opens up on his goals for the coming months.

Jockey Martin Harley has “hit the ground running” in Queensland. Picture: Getty Images

Irish jockey Martin Harley has made a stellar start to his opening month in Queensland as he reveals his ambitions for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

The 33-year-old, who has previously called Ireland, England, Hong Kong and Melbourne home, kicked off his South East Queensland campaign on November 12.

The five-time Group 1 winner, whose hit list includes the 2015 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, said he was proud of his opening performances.

“I’ve hit the ground running and had a bit of luck which is good,” he said.

“I’m getting used to riding for some different trainers which has been an absolute pleasure, the other jockeys and weather has been brilliant so it’s made my life in terms of finding my way a lot easier.”

🐺 BEAST MODE makes it 2 from 2!

A great start to his career for @BestBloodstock and another great ride from Martin Harley.

Well done to connections 🎉 pic.twitter.com/e9AFZ5o3F1

— Vandyke Racing (@vandykeracing13) December 11, 2022

He said his partner and his hunger for more winners was a driving force behind his move to the Sunshine State.

“My fiance Brittney is from here so we were always going to come back at some stage and just riding in England the past few years has been a bit quieter than normal,” he said.

“I’m usually good for a hunk of winners but have instead been knocking in 40 or 50 so I thought the prize money is very appetising over here and I had a go in Melbourne in 2019 which I quite liked so decided to take the plunge.”

Martin Harley returns to scale after winning aboard Warning at Flemington on Turnbull Stakes day in 2019. Picture: AAP

As of Tuesday, December 12, Harley has recorded nine wins and 14 placings from 61 starts at Doomben, Eagle Farm, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich.

“I’m really enjoying it, I think I’m slotting in pretty well and I’m not finding anything too difficult even regarding the race riding,” he said.

“It’s great to have some early support and ride a few winners for trainers that are using me.

“I definitely want to be here right now and it could very well turn into a long-term stay.”

Harley said he hoped to further improve in the coming months.

“Staying healthy and well, riding as many winners as I can, impressing the trainers and to keep building momentum is always the main aim but to be honest coming over here I hoped to have a few rides on Magic Millions,” he said.

“To ride at the meeting after just landing off the plane would be a dream and any wins would be a bonus.”