WINNO'S SIXTY SECONDS WITH ... NICK KEAL

By Darren Winningham with Nick Keal | Monday, January 30, 2017

Nick Keal jumps on Danish Drama for his boss, a wry smile on his face for the camera – photos have been taken and out he goes. The race is won by a rival, Nick passes the winning post, I feel a sigh of relief for him – and then the unthinkable happens! The horse abruptly takes a right hand turn out of the blue and Nick crashes to the ground. The crowd let out a moan and people rush to make sure he is okay. He sits up and dusts off his silks. It is just a harmless tumble from his mount – a memorable way to start your career. He is tough young Nick, he speaks to his family and friends and says “I am alright and will ride my next mount”.

He sits and watches another three races pass and then puts on the silks, grabs his saddle and gear and weighs out. He is ready! Races one and five are his only two mounts on the program. He rides his mount Drinking Cocktails into a credible fourth and comes back to scale this time on top of the horse – all smiles. One week later he ventures to Warwick and rides his first winner aboard Kel’s Shadow for his boss Kevin Kemp.

Five months have passed and I always go to the Kilcoy Race Club’s annual Australia Day meeting. To my surprise I look at the acceptances and note Nick has three rides. I do my form, I write my blog and I think he can win the first and last races. I walk in shake his hand and say hello. The change in the walk and the commentary ooze confidence without arrogance. I say to him “I think you can ride two winners today” – no pressure from Winno!

Race one he rides Life’s Like That for Greg Cornish – I note he has walked the track prior to the meeting – he has never ridden at Kilcoy Racecourse – dubbed the “Moonee Valley of the North” – all I can tell him is “to be on the fence and if your leading here mate they will find it hard to run you down”. He goes out and rides the first winner.

Then the second race is scheduled, this time he is aboard Brilliant Diva for Helen Donnelly drawn nice as well. He takes the three year old filly to the lead and she duly salutes as well. A race to race double for Nick Keal! I still think the best is to come – his last ride in my books is a certainty. I challenge him to 60 seconds with Winno, he accepts we sit down and tape the responses below. I wish him luck in the last race after we are done.

The rest is history. Nick Keal jumps aboard the Greg Cornish trained Ralph The Dragon and wins the last easy. It is not every day you have three rides for three wins. I am certain that Australia Day 2017 at Kilcoy Racecourse will be a special day for Nick to recall in years to come.

Enjoy his interview – it was a pleasure to talk to this level headed and down to earth young man.

What is your role in racing?

Apprentice jockey.

Do you have a nickname?

Not really – people just call me Nick.

How long have you been riding?

Only six months – started on 30 July last year.

You are an apprentice, who is your master?

Kevin Kemp at Toowoomba.

What is the best horse in your stable at the moment?

Sold for Song – she is my favourite as well.

Your fondest memory of working for Kempy?

Strapping Sold for Song when she won a listed race in town and then she was placed in a Group 2 and Group 3 races as well. These were great days.

Best thing you like about your work?

Love riding horses, love the adrenalin and thrill you get riding horses.

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

Not much hey – to tell you the truth I am a pretty good sleeper. I like to get as much sleep as I can.

Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?

I start around 4am most days – try to be first at the stable.

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

I actually prefer not to be woken up. Normally an alarm wakes me up.

A memorable horse you have ridden?

Well I did fall off my first ride ever at Gatton and you were there Winno. Other than that I rode four winners in a day at Texas.

Ok, here is the challenge name the four horses and there trainers that you won on?

That is easy – are you serious. It was on Saturday 10th December 2016. First winner was Welcome Charlie for John Byrne. Second winner was Mellore for Luke Berger. Third winner was My Crimson Lad for Malcolm Reynolds. Fourth winner was Charzooka for John Byrne.

So go back to Gatton to the first day, tell me about that?

Well you were there. You saw it. The horse just took a right hand turn and I took a harmless tumble. As a matter of fact I only just got the grass stains and the other stains (laughing) off my jockey trousers in the last couple of days. The brown was me and the green was the track in case you got confused!

What’s your favourite horse you have ridden?

Sold for Song haven’t ridden her in a race but have been on her a trackwork.

What was the turning point in your career?

None really as yet. I could apply for an upgrade in my licence to a “Provincial B” but I think I should just keep working away and stay in form and learn some more about riding by doing what I am doing now.

What are you always late for?

Nothing really. I am always well on time for everything. I always arrive 90 minutes before the first race or 90 minutes before my first ride.

If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?

Probably in the racing industry doing something – maybe I could try being a horse trainer.

If you were not being a jockey what would you be doing?

Honestly I would not have a clue. Well I did want to be a truck driver once – I was ten when I thought this.

Why would you want to be a truck driver? Wouldn’t you want to be a fireman or something at that age?

Well I am not good looking enough and strong enough to be a fireman.

What is your favourite music?

Listen to anything really – I enjoy everything.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

“Baby” by Justin Bieber – Josh Morrow my mate put it on my Iphone!

What is your favourite gadget?

Phone.

What would you chose as your last meal?

I love Tacos and Nachos – I don’t like Mexican food really just the mince bits in them.

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

This is tough Winno. (So I prompted him someone famous or an idol or someone you respect)

It is still tough mate. You know what, Jimmy Orman. We could have a piece of watermelon each and he could share some of his stories and knowledge with me.

You think Jimmy Orman would buy dinner if you asked him?

Well you would hope so. He is going better than me at the moment!

Name one thing you could not live without?

Food

What is your greatest fear?

Heights! I can be in an aeroplane, but I could not do skydiving or jump out of a plane – that is seriously scary

One of your favourite places to be?

At home at the racecourse – I love being here!

NRL/AFL favourite team?

NRL – Broncos ... and I don’t mind the Bulldogs either! (Winno is impressed)

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

Queensland – I was born in Toowoomba.

Who do you talk on the phone the most to?

My girlfriend, Dannielle Atkinson

What are you most grateful for?
My family

So is your family is a big part of your life Nick?

Yes it is. I have two older brothers one younger brother and two sisters (younger). I am the one in the middle. You could say I have a big family – with six of us! My eldest brother passed away about 18 months ago. His name was Joel. Ever since that day I have always wanted to be a jockey really badly – he wanted to see me be a jockey and be successful.

What landmark symbolises Australia?

The Australian flag is special – and ANZAC day is special.

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

I love ham, cheese and tomato – no salt or pepper on white bread with no butter. Hey I do like sultanas and honey on white bread with no butter as well – you should try it Winno!

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

Meatlovers and BBQ Cheeseburger – I get them from Dominos. They make the best pizzas!

How do you define success?

Riding well, giving all runners a good chance and keeping my master, Kempy happy. Kempy is a top bloke the best to work for! I would not want to work for anyone else Winno!

Who is you man crush?

Josh Oliver

Is that why you cut your hair like him?

No, we look the same except I am taller and probably a bit better looking as well actually!

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

I am the best at pool – a pool shark!

If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?

Pizza – two for $10 on cheap Tuesday

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with Winno

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