By Craig Kerry
After experiencing the adrenaline rush of competing as a professional bull rider on the international stage, a group 1 debut in the $2 million Sydney Cup feels like “only another ride” for unassuming apprentice Braith Nock.
The 23-year-old Scone-based jockey, a rising star in the apprentice ranks, will partner Mostly Cloudy in the staying feature on Saturday at Randwick – three weeks after narrowly missing out on a chance in the Golden Slipper with Alabama Magic for boss Brett Cavanough.
Braith Nock during his days as a bull rider.Credit: Getty Images
The filly was first emergency and looked a chance of getting a start when West Of Swindon failed a vet check a day before the race, only to pass the next day.
This time Nock looks set to get his chance after getting an early booking to ride the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained six-year-old at 50 kilograms.
“Yeah, it’s good,” Nock said.
“It’s a good opportunity, but it’s only just another ride. It’s a big race, but it’s still just a race.”
Jockey Braith NockCredit: Cavanough Racing
Nock, who had his first race ride in January 2023, has quickly gained support from leading trainers. Aided by a three-month loan stint with Peter Snowden which ended in February, Nock moved to 20 city winners this season – one behind apprentice premiership leader Molly Bourke – after a double at Hawkesbury on Wednesday.
The son of Tamworth trainer Jane Clement and former jockey Greg Nock, Braith appeared destined for a career in racing, but his passion for bull-riding initially put that on the backburner.
“It’s always been there, it was just a matter of when,” he said of becoming a jockey.
“I held off there for a little bit. In the early days when I was only about 16, I went to do it and then stepped away, then I came back again.
Braith Nock in 2010 in a junior barrel race.
Credit: 2010
“I was still bull-riding probably six months into my apprenticeship. You can take it to the next level and earn a lot of money if you’re very consistent, but it’s probably not the best way to make money. It can be dangerous, sort of the same as this I suppose, but you don’t get paid as much.
“I think I was in the top 10 or something at the finals in the PBR [Professional Bull-Riders].
“I won a lot of titles as a junior, like under 18s, and then I went to Canada for the PBR. I only did that for a year, and I went to Canada and America when I was about 18 for some other events.”
After competing at the highest level in that dangerous sport, Nock has taken the pressure of race riding in his stride.
“I think it’s a bit of an addiction, you get the adrenaline and I suppose if you do it every weekend you get used to it,” he said.
“It’s pretty much the same [as riding a winner]. Just that adrenaline rush. That winning feeling, there’s nothing better.”
Mostly Cloudy, a $51 Sportsbet chance with gate 10, was 18th in last year’s Melbourne Cup and finished third in his past two starts, including a last-start run in the listed 2600m Roy Higgins at Flemington.
“I’ve watched a few of his replays, and he tends to get back a bit,” Nock said.
“It’s a step up in class, but he runs the distance. I haven’t spoken to the trainer yet, but it seems most times it’s just ridden for luck, and I think if he got the right run he’s got the ability to run on there.”
He said getting down to 50kg would be a challenge, but he was confident of making the cut.
“I’m at 52 now and I usually ride around 53,” he said.
“I haven’t ridden lower than that. I haven’t had to.”
