Baylee spurred on by the taste of success

Former Toowoomba apprentice jockey climbing his way to the top of Queensland racing.

Baylee Nothdurft returns to the Clifford Park winner’s stall last Sunday.

Success breeds success is a quote Baylee Nothdurft intends putting to the test.

Nothdurft’s up-and-down career start in the saddle is now in the ascendancy with a stunning victory in last season’s metropolitan apprentice’s premiership underlining his promise as one of Queensland’s most talented jockeys.

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge for Nothdurft since landing a winner at his first race ride at Goondiwindi in August, 2016.

Lengthy suspensions and injuries have punctuated his progress since, but never hindered his rise to the top.

His 2018-19 premiership win was achieved in virtually half a season of city riding.

Nothdurft was only granted his metropolitan license in January this year.

A maturing, dedicated and focused Nothdurft knows the ball is now in his court to capitalise on the opportunities he has created.

“It’s a huge achievement to win the metrop apprentice premiership and Ken Russell award (Queensland apprentice of the year),” Nothdurft said at Clifford Park last Sunday after riding a winning double at the meeting.

“But I couldn’t really have done it without all the support I’ve had.

“Thanks to my manager Kylie (Nolan), Tony Gollan and Lindsay Hatch. Without them I couldn’t have won the award.

“I only got my metro license in January and I only had until August to win the title.

“To do it in that short period of time is something I’m really proud of.

“To win the Clifford Park apprentices’ title three years in a row as well and to do it this year when not riding here full-time means as much to me, with Toowoomba being my home town, as it does winning any other awards.

“Since I’ve moved to Brisbane I’ve really been trying to look after my weight.

“I’m seeing a dietitian and my weight’s really under control at the moment.

“That’s a big factor, being able to go to the races full of energy and feeling strong.

“I figured out if I want to be in the game for a long time I’m going to have to put in the hard yards.

“There’s small things you’ve got to sacrifice to get the big rewards.

“I just go out there and ride the horses.

“But a lot of people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. There is a lot that happens.

“My family has always been there for me and like I said there is Kylie, Lindsay and Tracey Hatch and the crew at Gollan Racing who are behind me.

“I’d like to win the metro apprentice again this year.

“I’ve only got two more winners in town, before I’m down to a 1.5kg claim.

“It’s going to be a bit harder. But the harder you work, the more success you get.”