Bayliss brothers to tangle for first time in a Group 1 race

They’ve both tasted Group 1 jockey, but until now their paths have never crossed at the top level. Who’ll come out on top when Jake and Regan Bayliss clash in the $1m Queensland Derby?

It’s the race inside the race.

Bayliss brothers Jake, the Queenslander who has a 1000-acre hobby farm with 120 head of beef cattle, and Sydneysider Regan, will square off for the first time in the same Group 1 race.

The jockey brothers are both familiar with Group 1 glory.

Older brother Jake has won three Group 1s across the ditch in New Zealand.

Regan has scored six Group 1s, including being twice a winner of the famed Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

But the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on Saturday will mark the first time that Jake (Warialda Warrior at $61) and Regan (Sonofdec at $26) will ride in the same Group 1 race.

A family photo of jockey Jake Bayliss as a youngster. Picture: Supplied

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“When we were apprentices in Melbourne, we rode against each other in races multiple times,” Jake Bayliss said.

“But this will be our first Group 1 riding against each other.

“The day of my first Group 1 win (Volpe Veloce in the Railway in New Zealand in 2018), we were meant to ride together as Regan was on the third or fourth favourite.

“But it got scratched 20 minutes before the race because of a huge downpour.

“I ended up winning my first Group 1 in that race.

“Things happen for a reason and I think Regan was just meant to be there for me on that day.

“It would be a couple of years since we have ridden against each other and I am really looking forward to Saturday.”

Jockey Jake Bayliss has a cattle property and a Group 1 dream on Saturday at Eagle Farm where he will ride against brother Regan. Picture: Supplied

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After a riding stint in Singapore, older brother Jake is happily settled in Brisbane and enjoying life on and off the track.

He juggles life in the saddle with managing his cattle farm, near Ipswich.

Win or lose on race day, there are jobs to do on the farm and cattle to manage.

“I live in Brisbane, because it’s more convenient, but I've got 1000 acres near Ipswich with a house on it, and nearly 120 head of cattle,” Bayliss said.

“I sell the boys after a little while and keep the girls if they are going to make potential breeders.

“On the track, since I came back from Singapore I feel like I have been going really well.

“Being consistent is probably my main goal and riding plenty of winners and getting plenty of rides and good support.”

Jake Bayliss’s cattle. Picture: Supplied.

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As for Saturday’s Derby (2400m), Jake Bayliss is searching for his first Australian Group 1 win on a John Ramsey-trained gelding from Scone who isn’t fancied in the betting market.

But Warialda Warrior isn’t without a hope – running on stoutly to finish sixth in the Rough Habit Plate which was won by Derby second pick Tannhauser.

It's @cwallerracing and @mcacajamez to finish the day at Doomben!

Tannhauser a bit too strong late and wins the G3 Rough Habit Plate beating Autumn Angel and Kintyre. pic.twitter.com/fvfxI47zAg

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 18, 2024

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Jake Bayliss says the extra 400m of the Derby and the expansive Eagle Farm track will be in his sweet spot.

Warialda Warrior was well beaten in the Group 1 South Australian Derby but raced without luck.

“I think he is probably the dark horse of the Queensland Derby field,” Jake Bayliss said.

“He hit the line really well in the Rough Habit and I think from a low barrier draw, and stepping up in distance, he’s a cheeky chance.

“Without getting too carried away, I expect him to run well.”

Originally published as Bayliss brothers to tangle for first time in a Group 1 race