Mitch Goring looks to Queensland to kickstart his career

By Jordan Gerrans

Mitch Goring had to receive approval from his “best friend’ before he chased his dreams in the saddle.

For most 19-year-olds, a best friend is usually someone you met at school or potentially a person you know from a sports team you are involved in.

For Mitch, it is his “Nan”.

Like Mitch, his Nan - Gail Davies - also lost someone dear to her at Tatura's race track in January of 2003.

Cranbourne hoop Mark Goring was thrown off his horse and sustained fatal head injuries in a race at Tatura as a 22-year-old all those years ago.

Following his sad passing, Mark’s widow Emma Goring remained with a two-year-old daughter as well as being heavily pregnant.

Mitch tragically never met his late father Mark.

But, that has not stopped him following his old man into the game he loved, which eventually cut short his life. 

Mitch first needed to be given approval by Mark’s mother to pursue also becoming a jockey.

“She sat me down and said if I really wanted to do this, then chase your dreams,” Mitch recalled of his conversation with his Nan.

They are best friends, Mitch reveals.

Having lost her husband to race riding, Emma – who also works in the industry - pushed Mitch away from becoming a jockey, suggesting he try other sports such footy or cricket.

When Mitch ticked over to 14 years of age, he got a job down the local stables the following day and as they say – the rest is history.

After being knocked back from the Victorian apprentice program, Mitch has relocated to the Sunshine State to chase his ambitions and just like his late father, become a professional jockey.

While his family initially took some convincing, they are supporting Mitch every step of the way now.

“It is really hard for my Nan and really hard for my family to accept what I want to do, but they have been nothing but great to me, my entire family,” he said.

“If they were really negative towards me riding, then it would have been a really hard decision to make.

“It is great to know you have support from those so close to me to do something you love.”

Having lived in Victoria for his entire life, Mitch naturally wanted to stay there and become an apprentice in Melbourne.

He rode stacks of track work and in jump-outs and trials.

But, he just could not get his weight down low enough to be accepted into the Victorian apprentice jockeys program.

He was about one kilogram over the desired weight for the intake of new youngsters, so he was knocked back.

Zac Sprie and Ben Thompson – who also hail from Victoria before relocating to the Sunshine State – got in Mitch's ear and suggested a move north.

He has landed with the Simpson stable on the Sunshine Coast, led by husband and wife training partnership Dallas and Adam.

“I wanted to fulfil my dream and I knew Queensland is a really good place to start for apprentices,” he said.

“I have got a lot of close friends living up here that ride and trust their opinions.

“And, I have loved every minute since moving up.

“I wanted to chase my dream of racing riding and I thought Queensland was the right move for me.”

The Simpsons were not actively searching for an apprentice but had spoken about potentially bringing one on board before they connected with Mitch.

The young rider has been in Queensland for just under a month and co-trainer Adam is teaching him how to break in their next crop of horses while also riding the teams track work.

“He has a got a lovely seat and he is riding them all well, from young horses all the way to the older ones,” Adam said.

“He can tell you how a horse is feeling and tell you if there is an issue with a horse.

“If we have any trouble horses, he is always happy to be legged-up and have a go at it.

“He is really good at it.”

Asked how he has enjoyed his time so far working under the Simpsons, Mitch says that he feels like he has hit the jackpot landing with the emerging trainers.

People will often ask Mitch why he would want to become a jockey as he deeply understands the potential consequences of race riding.

“I am not doing this because of my Dad and following on from what he did, I am doing it because I love the sport,” he said.

“I live and breathe the sport.

“I gave up footy and cricket – which I played at a high level – to be dedicated to racing and I love the horses.

“Horses make you feel better, you could be having a bad day but a trip down to the stables is a massive boost to your emotions in general.

“I honestly cannot think about another job I would rather be doing.

“I know how hard it is and I know how hard it is going to be for me but I think with the passion, commitment and dedication to this sport, I will never look back.”

As he has grown older, Mitch has become a regular participant in National Jockeys' Trust events.

The NJT is a charity organisation dedicated to raising funds for the injured and ill jockeys and their family, providing stability in times of need.

The newcomer to Queensland is hopeful of riding in his first race within the next three months following his required number of barrier trials.

Adam is happy to have him apart of his team.

“There has been nothing but good reports that have come out of Melbourne about him,” Simpson said.

“I am sure he will make his mark here in South East Queensland in the riding ranks once he gets to the races.

“We will do everything right with him and take his time to ensure he is completely right before he gets to his first race rides.

“I think he will go a long way and he will have some fun.

“I really enjoy teaching people things so it is good to have Mitch here and no doubt he will teach me a few things as well.”