Young hoop continuing to flourish in the metropolitan apprentice rankings

Rising superstar Kyle Wilson-Taylor has continued to leap from strength to strength this season and has found plenty of backing from industry experts as he cements his spot in the top ranks.

From being on the verge of complete homelessness to being knocked back twice by Victorian race riding officials, Kyle Wilson-Taylor’s rise has been nothing short of impressive.

Following a breakdown in his family and personal life, the now 22-year-old turned to race riding but was forced to relocate to New South Wales after being told he was not up to standard by the local Victorian officials.

After working his way through the ranks, Wilson-Taylor headed north again to Darling Downs and quickly became someone to look out for at a number of provincial race meets.

Fast forward four years and Wilson-Taylor sits in second place by half a win to Jaden Lloyd on the metropolitan apprentices leaderboard and has plenty of backing from industry experts at cementing his spot in the top ranks.

He said the pair’s tightly contested battle had made them both go from “strength to strength”.

“The aim was and still is to win the apprentices title and obviously Jaden (Lloyd) and I are having a good tussle for that,” he said.

“It’s great as Jaden is a very good rider and we have both improved a lot so I think we are making each other better every week.

“He is riding super well and I believe I am too so as you said we’re trying to go from strength to strength.”

Kyle Wilson-Taylor alongside trainer Kelly Schweida after riding Slow Hands to victory at Doomben on March 26. Picture: Racing Queensland.

Wilson-Taylor’s breakout performances had also come off the back of regular advice from Cox Plate-winning hoop Steven Arnold.

“He is just helping me out by recapping my rides and touching on what I did well, what I didn't do well and where I can look to improve,” he said.

“It’s been great and I think it is paying dividends so I’m very lucky and very fortunate for it.”

Wilson-Taylor said his terrific run of form was simply down to his hard work and dedication.

“I’ve just been working really hard and getting better opportunities really because you only get better by working hard,” he said.

“I am proud but I have that expectation of myself as well so I don’t dwell on it or think about how good I’m going, I just like to keep improving.”