FORMER talented jockey Nick Ryan is poised to join the local training ranks.
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Ryan, 27, has submitted an application for his trainer’s licence and is waiting to hear back from Racing NSW officials.
The 2005 Melbourne jockeys’ premiership winner has spent the past 18 months as Brett Cavanough’s stable foreman.
Cavanough conceded Ryan had been a tireless worker behind the scenes and an integral part of the stable’s success.
“I’m excited for him even though he will be hard to replace, especially as a rider because Nick rides most of my horses in trackwork,” Cavanough said.
“We survived before he arrived and I’m pretty sure the joint won’t shut down when he walks out the gate.
“But its not every day you get a guy in his late 20s who won a Victorian jockey’s premiership working for you.
“He is not only a talented horseman but a quality person to go with it.
“I suppose it was always going to be a matter of when and not if that Nick would eventually get his licence at some stage.
“I would like to think he learnt a lot while at my stable and when he does finally go out on his own I will still be there for a bit of guidance.”
Cavanough said having another young trainer among the ranks would help raise the profile of Albury Racing Club and local racing in general.
“Albury needs another good trainer,” he said.
“Someone who is prepared to have a crack, be competitive and take things to that next level.”
Cavanough said he was on the lookout for a suitable replacement for Ryan as stable foreman.
Former apprentice Lily Coombe is also set to return to the stable next month.