Episode 257: Kayla Nisbet

John Tapp Racing

A lovely chat with a young lady who has endeared herself to participants in the ACT and the Southern Districts of NSW. Everybody loves Kayla it seems!

She talks about the punishing miles country jockeys are obliged to travel.

Kayla talks about her “all girl” family and the influence of her father John, a former successful jockey and currently training in partnership with Ron Weston.

She looks back on early career highlights including that elusive first winner.

Kayla still pinches herself when she looks back on the Wagga winner she rode for David Hayes- the winner that springboarded her into a job as provincial apprentice for the champion trainer at his Euroa base.

She looks back on the opportunities she was given during her one year stay in Victoria, and the low point she struck after two trackwork accidents.

Kayla speaks off her 5 months break from racing and another accident just weeks after returning to race riding.

Later lady luck again turned her back when Kayla collapsed in a shopping centre. Thankfully her mother was by her side.She talks of her rehabilitation after a very serious medical episode.

The popular jockey acknowledges some of the talented horses she’s ridden in her ten year career.

Kayla pays tribute to a handful of jockeys for whom she has special admiration.