Te Akau Spotlight on our Stars

At the Taupo trials on Thursday Te Akau trailled one horse - the trial was notable for giving young Te Akau apprentice Wiremu Pinn his first competitive ride.

“He's been with us for just over a year, come a long way in that time and does show a lot of promise,” said Autridge, a former Group One winning jockey.

“He's a very good worker and a very good judge of horses; he has a natural affinity for the animal.

Autridge said that in order for Pinn to gain a licence to ride on race day he must first have twenty trial rides.

“There were a few people there today that liked what they saw, so he could get a few outside rides along the way, but probably two or three months before he's ready to go.”

Pinn (18) arrived at a decision to become a jockey through unusual circumstances.

“It came about through an incident,” Pinn said. “One of my best mates committed suicide when we were at school and I was going to counselling. The counsellor took me out to a horse farm and said, ‘you're nice and small, do you want to become a jockey'?

“I had no idea what becoming a jockey involved, so I gave it a try at Peter Hingston's course (NZ Equine Training) and after enjoying being around the horses I decided to stick with it.”

It was Hingston that then recommended to Te Akau that Pinn may be suitable material for an apprentice jockey.

“Peter (Hingston) and his wife came down today to support me at the trials today and they're pleased with my progress,” Pinn said.

“I'm enjoying it and learning lots from Steve (Autridge), Jamie (Richards), Daniel Miller, Kris Shailer, they're all teaching me good things and I think I've come a long way.

“David (Ellis) keeps in touch with me and always asks how I'm going, not just with riding but everything - this and that. He tells me to try hard to make it to the top and that he's going to give me the opportunity when it's my time.

“I'm lucky to be at Te Akau. They're the best stable in the country and it's a privilege to be here.

“I grew up in South Auckland and went to Manurewa High School, so getting involved in the racing industry has been a lot different for me.

“My Mum and Dad support me with anything I do as long as I try my best. They think I'm doing well and they're proud of me,” said Pinn, who has three younger teenage sisters at home.”

Noel Harris, the Riding Master and Mentor for NZTR, also had some complimentary words for Pinn following the trial.

“Noel said that I'd done well and looked good and was neat and tidy,” Pinn said. “Noel is very good. He's a good teacher. I listen to him and he gives good advice. I rode with his son Troy (Harris) in the trial today and it was good riding with him.

“I jumped on the scales at the races the other day at Rotorua, and was 48.5kgs fully clothed. I'm a natural light weight. I've got light bones and although I am getting taller I don't see it (weight) being a problem.

“This is definitely what I want to do (jockey) and I'm sticking to it no matter what. I'm fully committed to it and can't wait to become a race day rider.

“It gave me a buzz and I was really happy about having my first trial ride, and just want it all to keep happening now,” he said.