Racing: Star apprentice takes a break

Rory Hutchings. Photo / Michael Cunningham

New Zealand's rising star among apprentice jockeys, Rory Hutchings, is taking a break to reassess his future.

Hutchings recently left the Matamata stable of Andrew Scott, with whom he is apprenticed until March 2015, to return to his home town of Auckland.

Under the tutelage of Scott and retired trainer and former 12-times champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan, the 16-year-old Hutchings burst on to the scene to ride 22 winners last season, riding with a maturity that belied his age. Big predictions have been made for his future.

Hutchings had five rides from the seven races at Pukekohe on August 6, recording three placings, and had rides booked for him at the Taupo races five days later. He withdrew from the Taupo meeting, his rides being taken up by Maija Vance and Alysha Collett.

He has not ridden since.

So well was Hutchings riding in the second half of last season, of those who finished ahead of him on the premiership only James McDonald, Opie Bosson, Hayden Tinsley and Daniel Stackhouse had significantly better strike rates.

His judgment and whip use was exceptional for a first-year apprentice.