Pinn working hard as he sits out lengthy suspension

[Wandering Eyes]

Talented apprentice Wiremu Pinn is keeping as busy as possible as he sits out a five-month suspension after being charged for improper use of the whip at Otaki on May 6.

Pinn admits he made an error of judgement when riding out the finish on six-year-old mare Posh Porotene (NZ) (Savabeel) in the 2200m contest and has taken his penalty on the chin.

Pinn, who has had several brushes with officialdom during his apprenticeship, is determined to create a successful career in the saddle and won’t be staying idle during his stint on the sidelines.

“I made a really bad error that day with a spur of the moment decision and I’m now paying for that mistake,” he said.

“I’m certainly not trying to hide from that and I have accepted the suspension and what it entails.

“My attitude is that I have to come back a better person and a rider and I am going to do what I can while I’m not out there on raceday to improve as a jockey.

“This is what I want to be doing with my life, I had given it away once before which was a silly thing to do and I definitely want to come back and be successful when I’m back riding on raceday.”

Although the suspension doesn’t allow Pinn to ride on raceday he can still ride trackwork and at the trials which is what he is doing to keep his eye in.

“I’m working hard at home for my bosses, Mason (Stevens) and Daniel (Miller) and that keeps me busy,” he said.

“We have a stable of about 40 horses but most of them are breakers and pre-trainers.

“They are a real challenge as it is like having a small child where you have to teach them every step of the way, but that is fun in itself and it keeps you on your toes.

Apprentice jockey Wiremu Pinn
Photo credit: Trish Dunell

“I’m riding trackwork and I’m also going to the gym to stay as fit as possible, while I’m going to start using a sports psychologist to help me with my mental skills and health as well.

“When I do get back to riding, I want to pay back the people who have supported me and have stayed loyal to me.

“I’ve been really lucky that trainers like Lisa Latta and Fraser Auret put me on so many horses and I will travel anywhere to ride for them to repay their faith in me.”

Pinn is also going to take the opportunity for a little rest and relaxation away from the winter chills in New Zealand as he and partner Tayla Mitchell have a nine-day break in Fiji scheduled for later in the month.

“It’s been so cold and wet at home here over the last few weeks I was dreaming of getting away to somewhere a little warmer for a few days,” Pinn said.

“Unfortunately, my partner copped a suspension on the weekend as well, so we’ve decided to head over to Fiji for a short break which I’m really looking forward too.

“A few days lying on the beach in the hot sun sounds pretty good right about now.

“I’m pretty lucky in that I’m a natural lightweight and can mostly eat what I want, but I will still be keeping an eye on the diet to make sure I’m doing what I need to do stay in shape.

“The next few months will be tough, but I can’t wait to get back to riding on raceday and to prove to everyone I have what it takes to make a success of my riding career.”

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