Exclusive interview with Tye Angland one of Australia's top jockeys. He steered Trapeze Artist to win the Group one A$2.5 million T.J. Smith Stakes (2018), beating the nation's best sprinter Redzel at Royal Randwick. Angland rode Fell Swoop in last year's Everest and has been vocal about Trapeze Artist is an ideal horse for the Everest.
Q: What are your goals for 2018? I guess Everest is on the list but what else?
A: I hope to ride in The Everest, Hong Kong International Races and then Royal Ascot (2018) all with Trapeze Artist. I wouldn't mind going out to Dubai to ride in the Dubai World Cup as well if I am invited. I am currently riding for Godolphin at times. It would be great to go down to Dubai for a few races with them.
Q: What kind of a horse is Trapeze Artist to ride?
A: He is a very professional and straightforward horse. He has no hesitation about doing what he is told. He's got plenty of talent. Once this colt gets his momentum, he just keeps going strong. He's just a little star.
Q: How did you feel when owner Bart Viera confirmed that Trapeze Artist will continue to race and the first race will be the Everest?
A: Both Gerald and I were elated when we found out. He is a very young horse and it will be very good to see him race on. We were very worried that he will be sent to stud and not have the opportunity to become the great horse he is meant to be.
Q: What races are your riding between now and The Everest?
A: I have a horse called Ace High. And he is going to go towards the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. He an interesting 4YO. Hopefully, he comes back and improves on his form.
He is a very nice Cups horse. So, for now, it's just him and Trapeze Artist. And I have just got to pick up more riders along the way.
Q: After The Everest, is everything settled for you andTrapezeArtisttogotoHongKongfortheHKIR?
A: We are just waiting to hear back on quarantine details for Trapeze Artist. Hopefully, we can get him down there (to Hong Kong) for the (Gr.1) Hong Kong International. It will be a very good opportunity for him. I am very familiar with the racecourse and the riders. I am well aware of my opponents.
Q: How did you feel when you beat the best sprinter in Australia?
A: It was very exciting. I sort of went into the race with my main focus towards the Guineas. We had just got beat on the wire by Kementari. I was a bit disappointed with that. But I had to refocus on the fact that I had a great 3YO and tough opponent. And we just had a great run. I was really overwhelmed. It was definitely a thrill to beat those older and nicer horses. It was just one of the races where everything worked out and the best horse definitely won. (Trapeze Artist was third in the Group One Randwick Guineas (1600m) at Royal Randwick. Godolphin's Kementari won the race and Pierata was runner up.)
Q: Could you tell us more about your family? How did you get into horse racing?
A: I grew up in Wantabadgery, (situated about 35 kilometres east from Wagga Wagga) which is a small town about 4 hours from Sydney. We grew up riding horses and riding rodeo. I left my brothers to do that and came to Sydney at the age of fourteen to become a jockey. They went on to ride in America and won lots of titles in America. They became very successful in riding the rodeo. I came to Sydney with no knowledge of the participants, excluding Gai Waterhouse.
And I am pretty proud of where I've got to. It's been one good ride so far and there are many more to stories come from there. (The year before Angland shifted into racing, he also rode in rodeo and won the Australian title in the junior steer rides.)
Q: What made you decide to come out to ride horses in Sydney when everyone else in your family was doing something else, i.e. riding the rodeo?
A: We you know, I nearly walked away from it. It is backbreaking work. I was riding seven (7) days a week, very early mornings. It's not easy. My dad gave me a little talking to. He said to get to the races and if you don't like it come home. But as soon as I got to race to ride, I definitely fell in love with it. And I haven't looked back since
Published In - EverestDiaries Issue 2, Vol 2
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