Ryan rode a career best four winners at last Saturday’s Rosehill meeting, including one for Champion trainer Chris Waller.
He was cruelled by a broken leg during a trackwork incident in March and before that had successfully returned from a broken shoulder, fractured elbow and broken pelvis respectively.
“It was a bit surreal really, I didn’t imagine something like that could happen so quickly, if at all,” Ryan told TDN AusNZ.
“If I ride one or two winners, I’m happy, but to ride four winners for trainers like Chris Waller and John Thompson on a Saturday was a big thrill.”
“If I ride one or two winners, I’m happy, but to ride four winners for trainers like Chris Waller and John Thompson on a Saturday was a big thrill.” - Brock Ryan
Ryan always remained determined to return to the saddle regardless of the severity of his injuries.
He attributed the influence of current masters Robert and Luke Price to his success this season, saying that the latter has helped “sharpen up” his skills in the saddle over the past two years.
Brock Ryan returning to scale after riding his fourth winner at Rosehill last Saturday
“Injuries are a part of the job and everyone goes through them but when I first took up being a jockey, I’d never ridden a horse,” Ryan said.
“I didn’t even dream about being a jockey riding in Sydney every weekend I thought I might just ride in the country or the provincials at best.
“So, while it’s been a long and tough journey with a lot of injuries, a lot of stop and starting, I’m just happy that I’ve stuck it out and got to where I am today because it’s all worth it when you have days like last Saturday.”
Top-tier talent
Ryan is confident in his ability to capitalise on the host of opportunities presented before him, saying that he is focused on cementing himself as a top-tier talent before entering the senior riding ranks in November.
He will take mount aboard nine runners at this Saturday’s Randwick meeting, headlined by the well-fancied Les Bridge-trained Skedaddle (I Am Invincible) in the opening event on the program.
"When I won on her (Skedaddle) last start, I really liked her and while Les (Bridge) is a man of few words he really talked her up." - Brock Ryan
“When I won on her last start, I really liked her and while Les (Bridge) is a man of few words he really talked her up,” Ryan said.
“The race is a big step up for her but on raw ability she should be winning as she’s drawn nice, has a light weight and the race should pan out to plan.”
Ryan has been granted another two opportunities by Waller this weekend.
He is booked to ride leading chances Zing (Zoustar) and Criminal Code (Maschino) in their respective 1800-metre contests.
“Zing has to carry the top weight, but she is deserving of it, she’s got a sticky gate, but I’ll go back, find cover and let her get in a rhythm with the hope she can run over the top of them,” Ryan said.
“As for Criminal Code he’s a deserved favourite, it was a big win last start and the race to me on paper doesn’t look that strong. So, he is well-placed and is a big winning chance.”
