Jack Baker set to follow in his father's footsteps as a jockey

By Jordan Gerrans

Born-and-bred Gold Coaster Jack Baker will follow in his father's footsteps in the saddle when he has his maiden race rides this Saturday afternoon.

The 19-year-old apprentice jockey is the son of former hoop Garry, who is now poking along with a small team of gallopers as a trainer at Aquis Park.

Garry retired from race riding back in the 2010-11 campaign with almost 1,000 winners to his name, including almost 50 at city level in Brisbane as well as a trio of black-type triumphs.

Despite his father’s achievements in the saddle, the former Robina State High School student did not initially want to pursue a career as a jockey.

After a number of years of working on the ground at racing stables, Jack eventually decided to ride and has not looked back since.

The keen teenager has his maiden race ride booked at Gympie on Saturday afternoon on the non-TAB circuit.

With his father being a jockey, Jack was always destined to be involved in the equine industry.

He recalls working at the stables on a Saturday from as young an age as 12.

“I was always into horses but I was not into the riding side of it all,” Jack said.

“I thought about the bloodstock side of it or training or something. I did not start riding track work until I was 17 years of age, I never really rode a horse until I was 16.

“I was always into racing and worked on the ground since and what not with the horses.

“When I was about 14 years old, I finished school in Grade 10 and started working on the ground when I was about 15.”

Jack is indentured to trainer Richard Laming at the Gold Coast.              

Laming believes Garry's influence has been key for the rookie rider. 

“Jack still has a lot to learn but it is good that he is now racing as he needs the experience,” Laming said.

“He needs to get amongst it, his trial rides have been good of late and he has really improved over the last six months.

“He listens well and is working hard.

“His old man has been a very good influence to him and he listens to him as he was a very good rider, as well.”

Despite his youth, Jack has already racked up plenty of experience within racing.

After leaving school at a young age, he worked for trainer John Smerdon for two years on the ground before spending time under the guidance of Allan Chau and Adam Campton before eventually starting with Laming in March of this year.

After finishing up in the saddle just over a decade ago, Garry has a couple of horses in work, including Arik Lad and La Demoiselle.

Garry won the Group 3 Grafton Cup on Akwazoff back in 1997.

“Dad won a premiership on the 'Coast and everything, he had a lot of success on the Northern Rivers, as well,” Jack said of his father.

“That is what got me into riding.

“I only really remember him riding the last little bit of his career, I do not remember much as I was a young kid.”

Jack believes he has steadily improved as a hoop through the process of riding in his required jump-outs and trials before he was eligible for his race day debut.

“I feel like I am going much better now than when I first started my trials, I am much more confident on them now,” the young jockey said.

“I have had a bit of help from Michael Cahill, I get on really good with him, and Andrew Mallyon has helped me out, as well.

“Tegan Harrison has been a huge help as well and helped me learn how to ride at a young age.”

As of Wednesday morning, Jack has one booking for his maiden day as a jockey: Rasheed for Gympie trainer Gregory Hayes.

Rasheed is in the Benchmark 45 Handicap over the speedy 850 metre journey on the sand at Gympie on Saturday. 

He is hoping to pick up a few more engagements before Saturday.

Jack’s family and his partner will make the trip up to Gympie on Saturday to celebrate the occasion.