Jake Bayliss will begin his international racing dream in 2022

Queensland jockey Jake Bayliss says he was overcome with emotions after being granted a 12-month racing licence within the international racing scene.

Queensland jockey Jake Bayliss will begin riding in Singapore in February 2022. (AAP Image/Albert Perez)

Queensland jockey Jake Bayliss says he was “overcome with emotions” after finding out he’s a step closer to achieving his lifelong international racing dream with a 12-month riding licence granted by the Singapore Turf Club.

The three-time Group 1 winning jockey had been juggling riding and the management of his late grandfather’s farm for the past two years.

“When I came back to Brisbane I had intentions of going back to New Zealand for a third time or to try and get over to Singapore,” he said.

“My grandfather, who sadly passed away only 12 months ago, fell ill at the time and was running a big family business.

“It’s a 1000-acre farm with hundreds of cattle so because my cousin and I were the only ones capable of running it my grandmother asked me to stay put and help out, meaning I had to put Singapore on hold.

“I was always dwelling that I missed that opportunity but the farm has dialled down now and I was only watching the races six or seven weeks ago and thought I would kick myself if I never applied or went after that dream.”

Queensland jockey Jake Bayliss will begin riding in Singapore in February 2022. (AAP Image/Albert Perez)

The 27-year-old said it was tears of joy after receiving the phone call giving him the green light.

“I’m blessed that I appealed to them and I’ll be honest I cried after it all,” he said.

“I was overcome with emotions but I just cried from happiness and relief knowing that I didn’t miss that opportunity and dream I’ve had since I was a kid.”

Bayliss, who has ridden 11 winners at the Sunshine Coast this season, will begin his 12-month contract in February and will head over with fellow Queensland jockey Ronnie Stewart.

“They only take three new jockeys each year so it definitely was a nervous wait after I applied,” he said.

“I’ll set some expectations when I get over there but I know I’ll be giving it all I have and work as hard as I can.”

Originally published as Jake Bayliss will begin his international racing dream in 2022