By Jordan Gerrans
Star apprentice Kyle Wilson-Taylor has a point or two to prove in his return trip to Victoria this week.
Firstly, he wants to grab as many points as possible for his adopted home state of Queensland in the National Apprentice Race Series event at Sandown on Wednesday afternoon.
And, secondly, he is eager to show those within the racing industry in Victoria just how far he has come as a jockey in recent years.
Knocked back on two different occasions to be a part of the Victorian apprentice jockeys’ program, Wilson-Taylor eventually moved across the border to NSW to get his foot in the door.
He was told he was not up to standard to start his path towards race riding in Victoria by local officials.
Born and raised in Melbourne, he spent time on NSW’s northern rivers before working his way further north again, up to the Darling Downs and then on to Eagle Farm in Brisbane.
The talented 22-year-old is not angry or bitter around getting passed over the Victorian program but he is keen to showcase his ability at Sandown.
“To go back to my home state where I grew up and where I was rejected from the apprentice program there a couple of times, it would be great to go back there and win the NARS,” he said.
“It would feel awesome if I was able to do that.
“I feel like I have come a long way as a rider since moving north from Victoria.
“To go back to Victoria to showcase how far I have come as a rider and how much I have learnt.
“I want to show that I have worked really hard and come along way – I am excited to represent Queensland down in Victoria.”
Wilson-Taylor is placed within the top five for the metropolitan jockey’s premiership this season, within touching distance of fellow apprentice Jaden Lloyd, who is a slot ahead in fourth.