Champion jockey Nash Rawiller out to rebuild career after ban

He might be as nervous as an apprentice but champion jockey Nash Rawiller is ecstatic at the opportunity to rebuild his racing career as he looks to leave his 15-month disqualification in the rearview mirror.

Nash Rawiller is using the ignominy of his 15-month disqualification as inspiration to make a successful comeback to the saddle.

The champion jockey resumes race riding at Kembla Grange on Thursday where he has six mounts including fancied runners Disco Mo, Aloneinabaa and Decroux. He also has six at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday including Stampede in the Listed $150,000 Winter Challenge (1500m).

Rawiller, 44, admitted he feels as nervous as an apprentice jockey about to have their first ride but excited to finally get the opportunity to rebuild his racing career.

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In April last year, Hong Kong stewards slapped the riding ban on Rawiller after finding him guilty of receiving gifts or money in exchange for tips.

“There is not much I can say about the Hong Kong situation, I’ve just got to put it behind me,’’ Rawiller told The Daily Telegraph.

“I’m concentrating on the future but I’ve learnt from the lessons of the past.

“I do think what happened in Hong Kong has made me a better person.’’

After the Hong Kong stewards issued their disqualification Rawiller’s ordeal wasn’t over.

The jockey was detained at Hong Kong airport and his passport confiscated as Hong Kong’s all-powerful Independent Commission Against Corruption launched their own inquiry into the matter.

Rawiller was prevented from leaving Hong Kong for five months before ICAC announced they would not be charging the jockey.

Their investigation found no evidence Rawiller had ridden any horse with the intention other than to obtain the best possible placing and that the jockey only tipped horses ridden by him.

Rawiller, a former three-time premier Sydney jockey, believes his lengthy disqualification will extend his riding career.

Nash Rawiller at his first trackwork session at Royal Randwick last week.

“When you can’t do something you love you realise how much you miss it,’’ Rawiller said.

“But I’ve tried to turn the negatives into positives and I’ve been counting the days to get back.

“I’m keen to keep fit and ride as long as I can and I’m sure it (disqualification) has helped my enthusiasm to do so.’’

Rawiller’s weight ballooned to 64kg while he was serving his penalty but he’s worked hard to get back near his optimum riding weight.

“I’m walking around 58kg now and not far off where I want to be,’’ he said.

“I started back at the gym just after Christmas so my fitness wasn’t bad but it is a different fitness to when you are riding.

“The first couple of mornings trackwork found me out a bit but I rode 20 trials last Friday at Randwick and came through it well.

“I’ve really tried to be first to the track and last to leave.’’

Nash Rawiller rides a Gai Waterhouse runner during trackwork.

Initially, Rawiller intended to base himself in Melbourne for his comeback, particularly as his 18-year-old son Campbell is riding trackwork for Mornington-based trainer Logan McGill and preparing to become an apprentice jockey.

But Rawiller has been taken aback by the response from Sydney trainers and owners and has decided to call the Harbour City home again.

“I’ve got a lot of old connections in Sydney who have said they are looking forward to getting me back and that was the sealer for me,’’ he said. “But Campbell is loving what he is doing and is close to getting his ticket (apprenticeship). I would love to ride against him one day — that would be a dream.’’

For now, Rawiller is content just to have the opportunity to again do what he does best — ride winners.

“I’m focused on clawing my way back into it, getting myself back near the top,’’ he said.

“It won’t happen overnight, it will take time but I have time on my side.’’

Nash Rawiller enjoys one of his biggest wins when Elvstroem takes out the Caulfield Cup.

NASH RAWILLER

Age: 44

Career wins: 2264

Group 1 wins: 59

Sydney premierships: Three

Major wins: Golden Slipper (Pierro 2012), Caulfield Cup (Elvstroem 2004), Doncaster Handicap (Rangirangdoo 2010, More Joyous 2012), VRC Derby (Elvstroem 2003), Manikato Stakes (Typhoon Zed 2008), Australian Guineas (Haradasun, 2007), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (My Kingdom Of Fife 2011, More Joyous, 2012), Dubai Duty Free (Elvstroem 2005), Hong Kong International Sprint (Mr Stunning, 2017)

Best horses ridden: Pierro, More Joyous, Elvstroem, Theseo, Bentley Biscuit, Rangirangdoo, Royal Descent, Silent Achiever