WEIGHT DOWN AND CAREER ON THE UP FOR YOUNG JOCKEY

WILL Stanley weighed 57kg when he joined leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ stable in October 2024.

It’s no coincidence that the former country apprentice has got his weight down to 54kg coupled with achieving his 20th metropolitan winner at Canterbury two days ago.

The 22-year-old’s success on a resuming Ruination resulted in his city allowance being reduced to 2kg, but not until after tomorrow.

Such an achievement was a long way from Stanley’s thoughts when he made a successful riding debut at Bedgerabong picnics on February 13 2021 on Dot The Eye (who carried 64kg after his 3kg claim) for his now mother-in-law Wanda Ings.

“When I transferred to Kris from Orange with trainer Alison Smith’s approval, obviously I hoped I would get to ride winners in town,” Stanley said today.

“But realistically establishing myself at the provincials was my main goal.

“Along with Kris, I have been fortunate to have had the support of a number of Sydney stables including John Thompson, Michael Freedman (Ruination’s trainer) and Richard and Will Freedman.

“Their support has obviously given me further confidence.”

With 161 winners behind him – including 42 last season – Stanley is determined to continue his success in Sydney.

“I’ve got my weight down to 54kg, which is the lightest I have been,” he said.

“My wife Chelsea (former jockey) is providing healthy meals, and I’m eating smaller proportions.”

Stanley has two rides at Gosford today (My Sweetheart in the Provincial Maiden Handicap, 1000m and Florino in the CG&E Benchmark 64 Handicap, 1200m for respective Newcastle trainers Damien Smith and Nathan Doyle).

His provincial claim is 1.5kg, and he has a further two bookings at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow, where he can still claim 3kg as acceptances were taken on Wednesday morning prior to the Canterbury meeting.

Stanley rides topweight Condone in the TAB Highway Handicap (1400m) for Mudgee trainer Mack Griffith, and Unbelievable in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m) for Anthony and Sam Freedman.

And here’s a tip for Warwick Farm on Wednesday!

“Kris (Lees) has asked me to get down to 53kg to ride She’s Extra (in the 1000m Benchmark 72 Handicap,” Stanley added.

The young jockey partnered the now three-year-old filly to wins at Newcastle (900m) and Warwick Farm (1100m) in February and March at her first two starts, and also when runner-up at the Kensington track at her third start.

He also rode She’s Extra in two recent trials (second at Gosford and a win at the Beaumont track), and she drops back to midweek company after a first-up ninth to Chilly Girl in the Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill on August 15. STORY BY JOHN CURTIS, AUGUST 28, 2026. PIC BY BRADLEY PHOTOS