Grylls is enjoying another lucrative season and currently sits in second spot on the National Premiership with 38 wins, four of those at Group or Listed level, and continuing to garner support from leading Waikato stables.
He will be out to add to his tally at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day with his book of rides including Summer Passage (Snitzel) in the G1 Sistema Railway, Avonallo (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) in the G2 Barneswood Farm Eclipse S., Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock) in the Skycity Auckland Guineas and Dragon Storm (NZ) (Shocking) in the G3 Skycity City of Auckland Cup.
The 30-year-old is a high-flyer in a true literal sense as away from his race day, trial and trackwork commitments, he spends numerous hours with his head among and above the clouds.
Craig Grylls
Grylls has long pursued his love of flying – when TDN AusNZ caught up with him he was on his way to the airfield and when he finally decides to step away from riding has intentions of turning his passion into a full-time career.
“I’ve got an old Cessna four-seater at the moment. I’ve owned it for about 18 months and I’ve only just completed my licence. I used to have a microlight licence so I’ve done my private licence so I can fly bigger stuff.”
“I used to have a microlight licence so I’ve done my private licence so I can fly bigger stuff.” – Craig Grylls
Grylls will also make use of his newly-gained status to travel to work in the coming months.
“I’ll start flying to race meetings when the weather is good. Some people love fishing and golf, and I like playing golf too, but flying is my getaway and a real enjoyment, I love it.
“After riding, I wouldn’t mind looking down the commercial aviation line. I want to work towards getting my commercial licence and I’ll chip away at that over the next couple of years.”
Born and bred to fly
Grylls is from a successful New Zealand racing family with his late grandfather John a much-respected leading jockey, as was his father Gary and both enjoyed success at the elite level.
“Obviously, I grew up in racing with Dad riding and rode ponies as a kid, the same as Bridget. I always knew I was going to ride,” he said.
“I’ve had plenty of highlights so far and winning the G1 New Zealand Derby was definitely one of them and also winning the G1 Livamol Classic on Willie Cazals.
“He was a bit of an underdog and he was really set for the race. A lot of hard work went into it so it was very rewarding.”
“He was a bit of an underdog and he was really set for the race. A lot of hard work went into it so it was very rewarding.” – Craig Grylls
Grylls won the 2019 G1 New Zealand Derby aboard the Stephen Marsh-trained Crown Prosecutor (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) and three years previously guided Willie Cazals (Ire) (Aussie Rules {USA}) to victory for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott in the Livamol.
Grylls winning the G1 New Zealand Derby on Crown Prosecutor
He found it hard to single out the best horse he has been associated with, but has a soft spot for Pasta Post (NZ) (Postponed {USA}). He rode the gelding to win the G1 Easter H. in 2008 during a career restricted to 19 starts, eight of those he won.
“I reckon we never saw the best of Pasta Post. He broke down and he was a very good horse,” Grylls said.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career to ride a lot of nice horses and had some really good opportunities and I think I’ve made the most of them.
“I’ve ridden in Australia and did three months in Macau and just under two years in Singapore. I’ve been back nearly two years and I’m happy to be home.”
Grylls’ services are in demand and his ability to ride light makes him a regular go-to jockey.
“This season’s going really well, I’m stoked and I’ve been getting on some nice horses. I’ve got a good support network with a lot of trainers and ride for most people and get on well with everyone,” he said.
Valachi post
He is the retained jockey for prominent breeder and owner Kevin Hickman, whose string is trained out of his Valachi Downs operation by Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer.
Grylls will chase a special win with their filly Needle And Thread (Makfi {GB}) in the Valachi-sponsored G2 Royal S. on New Year’s Day.
“Obviously, when they don’t have runners I’m free to take whatever I like and I’m lucky enough to get plenty of good rides,” he said.
Grylls will ride in the Hickman's gold and navy silks on Needle And Thread in the G2 Royal S.
Among them have been a good number for Te Akau Head Trainer Jamie Richards.
“Obviously, he has his jockeys, but when they’re not riding at the meeting or they are lighter-weighted horses Jamie has been really good to me,” Grylls said. “I’ve got a really good strike rate for him.”
Grylls didn’t begin the current season with any targets in mind and is just content to maintain his form.
“I’m not one to set goals and I just see how things unfold. As long as I’m riding winners and can make a good income I’m pretty happy,” he said.
