Newly crowned champion Kiwi jockey Craig Grylls takes an uncomplicated approach to his riding and that will again carry over to the new season.
The 35-year-old had the 2024/25 New Zealand jockeys’ premiership parcelled up well in advance of the term’s end with 141 winners, with runner-up Michael McNab on 86.
“I’m really chuffed, it’s good when everything works out and there’s been a lot of travelling and I wouldn’t say it’s been easy, but it’s been very rewarding and I’m absolutely stoked,” Grylls said.
Such was his lead, the Matamata-based Grylls was able to take an extended period off to recharge his batteries.
“It was pretty fatiguing with the travel and wasting, but I was very fortunate that I was able to take six weeks off and have a decent break and still win it,” he said.
Grylls was in hot demand throughout 2024/25 with 799 rides earning more than $6 million in prize money.
His highlight was his association with dominant filly Leica Lucy that culminated in their Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) victory.