Aiden’s first winner and how he’s never looked back on his racing dream

Watch full interview here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpIREVBnAG0

Riding your first winner is a milestone in every jockey’s life and is only bettered by one thing; riding a winner which catches the eye of a trainer who then books you to ride their horses.

When 19-year-old Aiden Smithies rode his first winner a couple of months ago for his employer, North Yorkshire trainer, Mark Johnston, he never imagined he’d keep the ride when the horse was sold and Newmarket trainer, Gay Kelleway took over the horses training.

Having just his sixth ride in public Bradford born Aiden guided Interrupted Dream to a 1½ length win at Kempton Park; just a month later he received the leg up onto the same horse but for the horse’s new trainer. That was Aiden’s first “outside” ride, a ride for a trainer who he isn’t employed by. A further three rides have followed on two different horses both trained by Gay Kelleway.

Aiden joined the 12-week, residential Foundation Course in 2016 upon completion of school year 11 and has worked for Mark Johnston Racing for three years since graduating from the College.

We look forward to following Aiden’s career over the coming months.