Leading jockey Michael Rodd recommends Queensland adopt previous training model for junior riders

Jockey Michael Rodd believes Queensland needs to turn back the clock if it is to improve training for young riders after their ability in the saddle was criticised recently.

With the huge discussion around Queensland apprentices generated by comments made by Brent Thomson last week, Michael Rodd made a special point of highlighting how much the system in operation when he came through the ranks helped his career.

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His comments perhaps could be heeded by officials as they go about trying to improve the training for young riders in Queensland.

Rodd’s story also showed how stewards worked with the control body to help facilitate opportunities for the betterment of apprentices — something that is harder now with QRIC and Racing Queensland entirely separate arms.

Rodd won the Dux of the Queensland Apprentice School three times in the early 2000s and each year was sent to another country — New Zealand, Dubai and Hong Kong.

“So much came of it and I only recognise now, looking back at it, how important it was,’’ Rodd said.

Michael Rodd rides Vega One to victory in The Gateway at Eagle Farm.

“The first year I was sent to New Zealand. I spent a week with John Wheeler and two weeks with Graeme Sanders.

“So much came off the back of that, including getting the ride on Prized Gem for Murray Baker. The second year I was sent to Dubai and I rode for John Sadler.

“I was living with Ryan Moore at the time, he was riding trackwork. Kerrin (McEvoy) was up there for the first time and Johnny Murtagh was stable rider. The final year I went to Hong Kong.

Rodd says Queensland racing had a huge impact on his early career.

“Originally it was just to ride trackwork, but they had a couple of jockeys suspended. I was up there for maybe two weeks, I rode at three meetings and rode two winners.

“When I came home I was asked to put an application in and at the time I was the youngest jockey ever contracted to the HKJC.

“What Queensland racing did for me and no doubt Bryan Guy (Rodd’s former master) had a say in it too … going to New Zealand, Dubai and Hong Kong … now I look back at it, I don’t know anyone else since who got looked after like that.

“That was the making of me. Instead of just winning an award, they sent me off somewhere and every time you travel, you come back with so much more knowledge and you gain so much confidence.

“I can’t fault my apprenticeship. It set me up for the career I’ve had.”

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Originally published as Leading jockey Michael Rodd recommends Queensland adopt previous training model for junior riders