Victorian senior jockey Mitchell Aitken will have his first South Australian rides this weekend, after a “change of scenery” move across the border.
Aitken, who has been based in Victoria throughout most of his career, has secured rides at Murray Bridge tomorrow and Gawler on Saturday.
“It’s just something different for the mindset, new scenery (and) potentially more opportunities,” Aitken said.
“It’s very hard in Victoria. You got to places like Sale and you’re still riding against ‘Ollie’ and ‘Willow’ and Jy McNeil and all those sorts of blokes.
“I hope in South Australia if I put the hard work in I’m going to get a bit more of an opportunity.”
Aitken, the son of former successful jockey Ron, launched his career in emphatic style by booting home four winners from four rides – while still claiming 4kg – at Wagga in 2015.
He has up to three rides at Murray Bridge on Friday, and at least one at Gawler’s metropolitan meeting on Saturday. Since relocating to South Australia, the 23-year-old has been working chiefly with the Will Clarken stable, but also with Gordon Richards and Chris Bieg, among others.
“And whoever else needs a helping hand,” he said.
“Hopefully I can spread myself out a bit and the opportunities come with it.
“The goal is to come over here, do my best and hopefully win the premiership.”
Aitken is close friends with 2020 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil, after the duo were apprenticed together under Gerald Egan. Therefore it is no surprise who inspires Aitken.
“The main one would be Jye McNeil,” he said.
“He’s got natural ability, puts them in the right spots in the races, and has a good level head on his shoulders.
“I like J-Mac (James McDonald) in Sydney as well.”
During his career to date, Aitken has ridden 148 winners and listed one of his career highlights as taking out the 2016 Swan Hill Cup aboard Minnie Downs.
