‘I never thought of coming back’: Jockey Billy Owen’s amazing climb to 2024 The Kosciuszko

He spent six years away from race riding as he struggled with weight issues but on Saturday, Billy Owen’s comeback could be capped with a win in a $2 million race.

There was a time when Billy Owen never thought about riding professionally again, let alone on one of Australian racing’s biggest stages.

Owen spent six years away from the full-time riding ranks after a constant battle with his weight saw the talented jockey pull the pin in 2012.

He would still ride at the picnics but spent most his time as foreman for Nick Olive while the Canberra trainer chased Group 1 glory with former star Single Gaze.

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“To be fair when I had the six years off, I never really gave it a thought of coming back,” Owen revealed.

“It was when Single Gaze retired, I had to make a decision and take a path in life to get to the next part of my life.

“I worked on my weight for a couple of months and it all come good and it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

It was that decision six years ago which has led to the biggest opportunity of Owen’s career.

Billy Owen will ride Asgarda in the Kosciuszko. Picture: Grant Guy

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Owen will be one of two NSW country-based jockeys to ride in this Saturday’s $2 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) when he pilots Asgarda in front of a sold out crowd of 50,000 people at Royal Randwick.

“This is next level for what I have experienced,” Owen said.

“I’ve obviously rode him in town on Group 1 days before in benchmark races and things like that but the atmosphere and calibre of race on Saturday is that next level.

“I will be focused but making sure I soak it in as well.”

Asgarda is looking to become the second horse to win the Country Championships-The Kosciuszko double after Art Cadeau completed the feat in 2021.

Kayla Nisbet was aboard Asgarda when he won the Country Championships in April but Owen has taken over this preparation after her retirement from riding.

Owen couldn’t have been more impressed following his first race ride on Asgarda last month when the daughter of The Brothers War scored in impressive fashion over 1000m at Wagga.

Asgarda from Wagga takes the Country Championships Final for @DougGorrel and @nisbet_kayla 👏@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/6Fh7ofL0vA

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 6, 2024

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“I was quite gobsmacked to be honest,” Owen said.

“I was really happy with her trial leading up to the first up run but 1000m with 62kg is not her go and you saw her will to win inside that last 100m.

“On the line it was quite a soft win and it proved she had come back as good if not better than what she did last prep.”

Owen acknowledged two-time winner Front Page ($2.40) remained the horse to beat as he chased a hat-trick of Kosciuszko wins.

But he believed Asgarda ($34) was over the odds despite drawing out in barrier 12.

“Obviously the draw isn’t ideal but it’s not the end of the world for her because she is pretty versatile,” Owen said.

“I think she is over the odds and any rain or things will certainly play into her hands.

“You know what you are going to get with her. She leaves it all out on the track.”

Originally published as ‘I never thought of coming back’: Jockey Billy Owen’s amazing climb to 2024 The Kosciuszko