Raised in Darwin, Spain wasn’t initially drawn to the thoroughbred, taking up football, rugby and boxing, prior to meeting Adelaide-based horseman Gary Kennewell at the stables of local trainer, Alwin Trengove, where his brother Adrian worked as a foreman.
Kennewell was the catalyst for Spain’s new beginnings, teaching the pint-sized 13-year-old basic riding techniques. It was from there his interest grew. Leading Kennewell to suggest a move to South Australia to pursue a career as a jockey.
After swift consideration, Spain commenced a riding course at TAFE in 2012 and boarded with Kennewell’s son and leading local trainer, Lloyd.
Despite excelling in both theoretical and practical aspects of the course, moving away from home at the ripe age of 15 was challenging for the teenager. He shared a family-like relationship with Kennewell and his wife Mellissa, but was missing life in Darwin.
“It was really hard, there were a few times when I got homesick and really wanted to go back home but Mum and Dad kept telling me to look at the big picture,” Spain told TDN AusNZ.
“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have seen the big picture early doors and wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Zac Spain and Shane Nichols
Spain persisted with tuition and was rewarded with his first race ride on May 22, 2014 aboard the John Dunn-trained Ocsmepop (Niello) at Streaky Bay. From there he would forge a lethal combination with Kennewell, riding numerous winners over a three-year span, before linking up with Victorian trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young in July 2017.
The 2016/2017 SA Apprentice Academy Dux runner-up thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Cranbourne-based combination but sought further opportunities, eventually partnering with leading trainer Mick Price, who he describes as one of his biggest supporters.
“If it wasn’t for Lloyd and Gary (Kennewell) I wouldn’t be in Victoria that’s for sure, they always pushed me to be better and Llyod’s goal early doors was to get me to Melbourne,” he said.
“He brought me over to Melbourne to ride Jennyfromtheblock in 2016 and to win on her really pushed me even more to move.”
Streets connection a career-changer
The 24-year-old's life would change for the better after partnering rank outsider Streets Of Avalon in a BM70 at Caulfield on Boxing Day in 2017.
The honest gelding would outperform his $101 quote, finishing third with the apprentice in the saddle. Spain would team up with the Shane Nichols-trained galloper another five times, before finally tasting success in the 4-year-old's second win from 20 career starts.
Spain never envisioned what would transpire over the next two-and-a-half years, describing the horse's meteoric rise as 'unexpected'.
“He never gave me a Group 1 feel but he always just kept on improving and working through his grades with age,” he said.
“He’s such a tough horse who is so honest and keeps fighting and that’s what makes him so special.”
Zac Spain winning the 2021 G1 CF Orr S. on Streets Of Avalon (maroon and white silks)
After picking up a suspension in the spring of 2019, Spain was forced to forego his association with the gelding and didn’t get another look in for the best part of a year. In that time Ben Melham would partner 'Streets' to his maiden Group 1 in the Futurity S.
Despite being disappointed that he wasn’t in Melham’s position, Spain wasn’t envious or resentful and instantly congratulated Nichols and majority owner, Phil Warren, for their extraordinary feat.
“I was obviously disappointed but at the same time I was thrilled for the entire ownership group and Phil (Warren),” he said.
“I could’ve thrown the toys out of the cot, but you can’t afford to burn any bridges in racing as opportunities will come along down the line.”
Staying at the next level
Spain remains driven to cement himself as one of the states leading riders and has recently added retired hoop and jockey mentor James Winks to his inner circle, in hope of taking his career to the next level.
He said that he is already seeing the benefits of using Winks’ expertise and that he hasn’t been left deflated by the lack of opportunities since saluting on the biggest stage.
James Winks
“It’s a bit strange this week (after winning the Orr) I’ve only got a handful of rides, but that’s the highs and lows of racing. Some weeks I can have 20 to 30 rides then some I will only have six or seven,” he said.
“But I never thought I would win a Group 1, especially this quick. I’ve only been out of my time for a couple of years. Some riders take a very long time to ride their first Group 1 winner and I’m very lucky, privileged and honoured to have one on the board already.”
