Young gun Kyle to get first taste riding abroad
Young Group-1 winning Queensland jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor is about to get his first taste of riding overseas.
Wilson-Taylor has snaffled an unexpected opportunity to ride on Group 1 New Zealand Oaks day at Trentham on March 16.
The talented and determined youngster, who snared his first Group 1 last year when he won the Tatt’s Tiara on Palaisipan at Eagle Farm, has been called on by trainers Andrew Scott and Lance O’Sullivan to ride Cupid’s Arrow in the Group 1 NZ Oaks.
The multiple Group 1-winning training team is hoping Cupid’s Arrow gets a start in the $500,000 Oaks over 2400m.
Wilson-Taylor will also partner Grail Seeker for Scott and Sullivan in the Wellington Guineas and will also ride for star trainer Tony Pike on the day.
The opportunity came about because Wilson-Taylor formed an association with Scott during his successful Queensland winter carnival raids, which included winning the Rough Habit Plate with Dark Destroyer in 2022.
“I struck up a relationship with Andrew Scott when he was here for the Brisbane carnival last time, I helped him out with track work gallops,” Wilson-Taylor said.
“He sort of said that if I ever wanted to go and ride in New Zealand, I should let him know.
“So I thought I would see if they needed me any time soon.
“He offered me a ride on Cupid’s Arrow in the Oaks and
Grail Seeker who is a promising filly in the Guineas.
“I also have a couple rides on the day for Tony Pike at this stage.
“I’m really looking forward to the day as it should hopefully build some foundation for some Kiwi horses coming to Brisbane in the future.”
Wilson-Taylor has ridden with success in Brisbane for several years.