By MICHAEL GUERIN
Even during the biggest moment of his career Hayden Tinsley could see the clouds on the horizon.
The same cloud that has dogged him for most of his career. The cloud which nearly ended his career just three months ago. The cloud which means he has no future in racing.
The Awapuni jockey won his first group one race when Tit For Taat outstayed Sir Clive in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton yesterday. Danamite was third.
It should be a stepping stone, another step up the ranks of New Zealand riding.
But Tinsley knows he can only go so far.
"I can't myself still riding in two years," he admitted after the race.
He is being realistic after only two weeks ago returning from a three month break from the saddle. He was forced to take the break after pushing his body past its limits.
Tinsley was in with a shot to win the national premiership last season until Michael Walker went ballistic and rewrote the record books.
He still finished second though with 103 winners but achieving the target took its toll.
"By the end of the season I was like a racehorse who had had too many hard races," he explains.
"I was stuffed from all the wasting and I needed to have three months off for my body to recover."
Tinsley barely made yesterday's 55.5kg for Tit For Taat and admits getting below 54kgs is virtually impossible for him.
"That is why I can't see myself riding in two years. I would like to think I was wrong but it is too tough and you have a disadvantage competing over natural lightweights like Lance O'Sullivan and Michael Walker.
"I now have to ask myself whether I keep wasting or whether I look at learning a new skill and taking on a different career," said Tinsley, who does not see himself as a trainer in the future.
Before that decision though, 26-year-old Tinsley faces a more immediate one - whether to stick with Tit For Taat or stablemate Comacho for the $150,000 Bayer Classic on November 30.
"Comacho won in very similar style at Otaki on Tuesday and there isn't much between them."
There was sensation before yesterday race with the late scratching of favourite Diamond Cashel, continuing the horror run of trainer Paul O'Sullivan.
After Pravda's antics before last week's Melbourne Cup then Diamond Cashel being pulled up in last Saturday's 1000 Guineas with a slipped saddle, Diamond Cashel was withdrawn yesterday after heavy overnight rain made the track soft.
Diamond Cashel is now likely to head to the Bayer as well.
Racing: Weight clouds major win
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.