Jayden Barrie dreams to win the race that stops a nation

His goal will get a step closer to fruition on August 28 when he spends a week with Chris Waller, the trainer of champion horse Winx.

He will be waking at 2.30 in the morning to work in the stables and won’t finish until late in the evening.

“It will be good to get an idea of the lifestyle, different processes and the attitudes of different jockeys who are working at a big stable,” Jayden said.

“It is an incredible experience and I won’t be taking it for granted.”

The 16-year-old isn’t afraid to dream big and his trainer Hilary Dew believes Jayden’s mindset will help him be successful.

“There aren’t many jockeys to come out of Kempsey but I think Jayden has the right attitude for it – he is a smart arse,” Dew said.

“You need to aim high to get high and reach the top, if you think small then you will stay small.”

Jayden definitely doesn’t hesitate on the opportunity to discuss reaching for the stars.

“I want to be better than Hugh Bowman, he is a world class jockey and one of my idols,” Jayden said.

Dew has trained horses for more than 30 years but Jayden is the first trainee he has taken on.

Jayden is in year 11 at St Paul’s College, Kempsey and will complete his jockey traineeship certificates during his final two senior years at school.

He will then be qualified to complete his jockey apprenticeship.

Jayden’s drive matches his ambitions as he trains six days a week, waking at 5am in the morning to work with the horses for three hours before school.

He first rode a horse at Milbank after encouragement from family and friends.

“People always pushed me to do it because of my size and I thought I better give it a crack,” Jayden said.

“I immediately loved it and I haven’t stopped.

“If you do something you love, you never work a day in your life.”

Jayden is hoping to race in the metropolitan races in Sydeny once he completes year 12.