Apprentice jockey Bailey Kinninmont is aiming to build on his recent metropolitan victory by succeeding at the renowned Flemington Racecourse, home of the Melbourne Cup.
The 28-year-old rider will experience Flemington for the first time this Saturday, partnering Lake Vostok in the RMBL Investments Rising Stars Final over 1600 metres.
Kinninmont secured his maiden city win on Wednesday at Sandown, guiding the Gavin Bedggood-trained Silent Shares to victory. He is now eagerly anticipating his ride on Lake Vostok, trained by Luke Oliver, in Saturday’s competitive event.
Last year, Lake Vostok claimed the same race with Rose Hammond in the saddle. Hammond will be aboard Impending Shadow this Saturday.
Hailing from a racing background and growing up in Perth, Kinninmont’s father was a jockey and now holds a significant role as ‘Racing Control Manager’ for the Hong Kong Jockey Club at Conghua Racecourse in China. His mother, Kelly, is employed by Simon Miller in Perth.
Kinninmont revealed he had no desire to pursue horse riding until he reached the age of 18. He was subsequently sent to Melbourne, initially working with Julien Welsh and then Mick Kent, before embarking on his apprenticeship.
He has achieved the majority of his 44 career wins under Luke Oliver’s guidance, with 11 victories for the trainer.
“Mick Kent is my boss, but Luke is probably my biggest supporter,” Kinninmont stated. “He throws me on everything, and I ride a lot of work for him, so he’s almost a second boss and hopefully we can repay the faith.”
Although Kinninmont has not yet raced Lake Vostok, he was involved in all the mare’s jump-outs leading up to her initial run back on June 20 at Flemington, where she finished seventh.
“She’s going great,” Kinninmont commented. “I’ve had a lot to do with her the whole way through but couldn’t ride her first-up as I couldn’t ride in town, but she’s definitely improved on the first-up run and I think she goes in with a real winning chance.”
“I think she’s an open class mare, building through the grades, so she’s been unlucky not to have won a few more.”
Kinninmont’s birthday falls on Sunday, and his family is converging on Melbourne to celebrate with him.
“Dad is coming over from China, Mum from Perth, brother, cousins, uncles,” he shared. “It’s my birthday on Sunday and that’s why they’re all coming over, but the race just so happens to be the day before, so that would be a nice present.”
For those keen to get involved, check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best racing odds.
