Nigel’s Better life
BETTER Reflection will be the fairytale story of today’s Magic Millions raceday if she can continue her unbeaten run in the $2 million 2YO Classic, particularly for one-time budding chef Nigel Seymour.
Her Rockhampton trainer John Wigginton paid just $20,000 for the filly, kept a share himself, and then syndicated the rest among 12 other owners.
They will all be on deck at the Gold Coast today as Better Reflection takes them on the ride of their lives.
For jockey Seymour, it will be the highlight of a diverse riding career.
He gave away riding for a time in April 2016.
He had been travelling all over NSW for limited success, so took up a new career.
“I had enough of being injured, it had been an ordinary five years,” he said.
He became an apprentice chef for a steakhouse in Brisbane but the hours took a toll and his career deviation didn’t last too long.
“I was there for three or four months,” he said.
“I got in contact with (Brisbane trainer) Brad Herne and started riding a bit for him.”
Another injury led him to travel to Broome with a friend, where he landed a number of winners.
But another diversion led Seymour to Rockhampton to ride for Tom Button, who he had struck an association with after his horse Heartbreak Harry raced in Brisbane.
That’s where the relationship with Wigginton started and the reason he is on Better Reflection today.
Seymour says his initial great opinion of Better Reflection has been justified.
“She’s a special little he said.
“We’re going in with a fit horse who doesn’t know how to get beat yet.” girl,”