Nik's a Natural

Te Akau apprentice jockey Nik Bakar (25) has made a whirlwind start to his career, converting seven of his 14 rides into wins at a phenomenal winning strike rate of just 2.

Bakar had his first trial ride in September last year and his first race day win only just over one month ago aboard Don'tblamethemusic (Coats Choice) at Taupo, who provided him with a double on the same course a fortnight ago.

Bakar has also recorded consecutive wins aboard stakes' placed filly Swing Note (Encosta De Lago) in the South Island and a Saturday double recently aboard stable-mates Miss Scandinavia (Smart Missile) and Remington (Darci Brahma) at Riccarton.

While his employer, Te Akau principal David Ellis, and trainer Jamie Richards, could not have asked for more, Bakar has also impressed Riding Master Noel Harris.

“He wants to learn, puts his hand up, participates, wants to be a part of the whole system, and I've always liked Nik and I'm very proud of him,” said Harris, who rode over 2100 winners in a career that spanned 45 years.

“His head was starting to nod when he rode his first winner and I said: “We've got to tidy you up a little bit”. They (apprentices) all want to use the stick, but they're not really ready for it yet. It's all hands and heels and he looks good when his pushes them out.

“He said to me at Taupo, “I want to tidy up and look better”, and he's a kid that comes to me and wants to learn.

“The horses run for him and even though he's had success now, he'll be far better next autumn after riding through the summer and learning to save ground, not go too wide, on better footing.

“He's in the right stable with Jamie at Te Akau. It's like Sam Weatherley going over to join Chris Waller in Australia, you can't help but succeed if you really want it and they're two stables that provide good opportunities for those that want to work hard.

“Jamie has utilized Nik's claim very well with the horses he's put him on and I don't think they could have asked for any more. He's come along way and I'm more than happy with what he's done. It's amazing the success he's had.”

Harris also made comment on Chelsea Burdan, another Te Akau apprentice who recently scored her first win on her first race day ride!

“Te Akau also has Chelsea Burdan and she's got something there,” Harris said. “She's ready to go, as far as I'm concerned.”

From Malaysia, Bakar started riding a pony as a five-year-old, at 15 he worked for six years riding equestrian horses, then did a two year stint with the Singapore Turf Club, before coming to New Zealand.

“I have known and ridden horses with Shafiq for fifteen years, we're from the same hometown, and he recommended me to David Ellis and Te Akau,” Bakar said.

“I'm very happy working at Te Akau, no stress for me and it's very nice. Apprentice school is also good and I've enjoyed working with Noel Harris. He teaches me everything and I always try and get my paperwork done every week. I'm trying to improve my riding and speaking, and every Wednesday I have an English class.

“In races, I try to follow the instructions that Jamie has given me and Shafiq teaches me that riding horses you must think very fast. I try to learn from everyone and you need a bit of luck. Good horses make a good jockey and Jamie has put me on some good horses, and I've enjoyed the new experience of travelling to the South Island. I like the track at Ashburton and it was good to me.”

Jamie Richards said: “Nik is a young man who has worked very hard through the winter and he's deserved all the opportunities he's been presented with, and he's grabbed them with both hands. He's made a few mistakes along the way, but he's learnt very quickly and most importantly he does listen.

“He's getting on some good quality horses, which always helps, but he's putting them in the right spot and just keeps getting better each time he goes to the races which is very encouraging.

“We're glad to have him in our team. Obviously, we have a significant team of horses in work and these guys do a lot of hard work behind the scenes getting these horses fit and ready when it's raining and freezing and terrible weather through the winter, and to give them an opportunity is very satisfying. And to see Nik do so well is something we take great pride in.”

David Ellis was also full of praise for the young jockey, Nik Bakar.

“He's had seven wins from only fourteen rides, and a second and third placing, which is quite incredible,” Ellis said. “He really is one of the in-form apprentices in New Zealand.

“We always like to give the apprentices a chance. Te Akau has had a great record with apprentices in the past and I'm thrilled to see it continuing. Opie Bosson, Troy Harris, Sam Collett, Vinny Colgan, Daniel Stackhouse, and others, and of course Shafiq who is riding brilliantly.

“We take pride in our apprentice and in giving them a chance. Providing they work really hard we support them, and Nik is a classic example.”