Swaffer is back in the saddle

After a long riding lay-off, Cairns’s Braydn Swaffer feels he is starting to rebuild the confidence that saw him branded one of North Queensland’s best jockeys. After hanging up the silks in 2016, the 23-year-old returned in April and booted home his first comeback winner at Cannon Park two weeks ago. He has dropped more than 14kg to get back to race riding and will aim to lose another 1.5kg by the lucrative carnival time in the Far North.

AFTER a long riding lay-off, Cairns’s Braydn Swaffer feels he is starting to rebuild the confidence that saw him branded one of North Queensland’s best jockeys.

The 23-year-old, who temporarily hung up the whip and silks in April 2016, returned for a handful of rides through May, June and July of last year, then stepped away again until April of this year.

Swaffer booted home his first winner since April 2016 at Mt Garnet Amateur Turf Club a fortnight ago at Cannon Park, a ride he says gave him a muchneeded confidence boost.

He has dropped more than 14kg to get back to race riding and will ride at 57.5kg this afternoon at Townsville, with the aim to get down to 56kg by the lucrative carnival time in the Far North.

Swaffer takes four competitive rides today at Cluden Park and is starting to feel the love again from the local industry.

“It is just a fitness thing (owners and trainers) are worrying about more than anything,” Swaffer said.

“Because I had so much time off and then had to lose so much weight to get back, they are worried I am not fit and healthy enough.

“My way of going about it is exactly how I used to before when I was riding, going to the gym and working. I want to be healthy and happy.”

Swaffer was driving his excavator yesterday at work before the Gordonvale Cup winner takes on his other job today.

Swaffer, who has long worked under Cairns trainer Trevor Rowe, is encouraged by his four chances today, headlined by the consistent Hot Saga and Standford.

“It is good to get a couple of nice rides, they are all pretty even chances,” Swaffer said.

“It was good to pick up Hot Saga earlier this week from Fred Wieland. He is a good, honest ride.

“A couple of them may be a bit difficult with the rail out 8m as they are back markers.

“That is the same with Standford. I will have to get him going early.”

Meanwhile, reigning Cairns Amateur Cup winner Ranked, for Cairns trainer Alwyn Bailey, is first-up today in the $14,000 Open Handicap (1400m).