Nothdurft at peak after humble start
AS he recovers from a broken jaw, premiership-winning jockey Baylee Nothdurft received a Facebook notification yesterday alerting him of the fourth anniversary since his very first ride.
It was at Goondiwindi, where he steered Peggy Leigh home a winner. He completed a double on the same day aboard King Ludwig.
“I slaughtered both of them and they still won,” he recalled, typically candid.
The 21-year-old has come a long way since and this week became the first apprentice to win the Queensland metropolitan jockeys title since 2003.
The three riders who preceded him in achieving that feat were Chris Munce (1989-90), Michael Rodd (2001-02) and Zac Purton (2002-03), placing him in the most elite of company.
“We know what they all went on to do, so to be put into that same list is a big thrill,” Nothdurft said.
“To win the premiership means the world, really.
“It just caps off what has been a big season. I never really expected it.
“The goal was to win the apprentice title again, so to win the senior title as well is a bit of a shock.”
Last week, Nothdurft was left with a shattered jaw after being trampled by a horse at trackwork. He required surgery, where doctors inserted a plate and screws.
He said the pain had subsided and he was hoping a checkup next Wednesday would provide some clarity as to when he might return to work.
At this stage he’s hoping to be cleared in early September, capping the sidelined time to six weeks. Sitting at home has allowed him to look back over the past 12 months, in which he linked with premier Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan and established himself as one of the state’s best riders.
Nothdurft became a senior jockey last Saturday but his association with Gollan will continue.
Gollan praised Nothdurft for continuing to ride at a high standard, even through some adversity, but said the challenge now was to reset and start again.
“He’s a big part of the stable and he’s had a really good year,” Gollan said.
“It helped with the claim at the start but the last half of the season he did it off scratch.
“He also had some suspensions hanging over his head, which can put some people off their game, but he rode through that and it’s a sign of his maturity and how his mental strength has toughened up.
“I’m very proud of him for the job he’s done. Any kid who can out rider their claim is a good effort.
“But it’s only the beginning now. I told him when he won the premiership it’s only premiership one.
“He won’t get too many pats on the back now because the job starts again.”