Fresh mindset drives Goring's success

By Jordan Gerrans

A refreshed mindset and a healthier attitude towards his weight are paying dividends on the track for resurgent apprentice Mitch Goring.

Long regarded as a heavyweight hoop, the 23-year-old has lowered his riding weight down to 57kg and the winners have flowed of late.

He has recently ticked off a couple of career milestones that he never dreamed that he would be able to achieve just a few years ago.

Goring recently registered his 50^th career winner, which followed his maiden victory on the provincial circuit.

The Victorian shifted north to Queensland a few years ago with the aim of making his mark as a jockey.

At the time, he was weighing in at 74kg.

But, after a slow start, he is finally following the path he set out to achieve when he drove up from Melbourne.

“It's been a long time coming,” Goring said.

“I didn't even think I'd make it to the races before I started my career. 

"So, for a lot of other jockeys, 50 wins, that would be something small and just comes in time.

“But, it was something I never thought I would be able to achieve. It was quite an ambitious goal and dream, but I knew deep down what I could do.

“There were a lot of people that said I was wasting my time and thought I’d be back in Victoria in three months’ time.

“And, three years on, I'm still here.”

Goring has found success on the North West circuit in recent times, collecting a treble at Mount Isa on Monday, which followed victories at Ingham, Townsville and Stamford in the preceding few days.

The triumph at Townsville was Goring’s first at a provincial track, which came aboard Ready Tiger for local conditioner Tony Comerford.

Goring is indentured to hard-working Ipswich-based trainer Beau Gorman, who praised his apprentice for his recent attention to detail when it comes to his weight and professionalism.

“Mitch has come a long way over the past six months and I'm extremely proud of the progress he's made, both as a rider and as a young man,” Gorman said.

“The biggest difference has been his mindset. He's got his head screwed on, he's working hard every day and with the way he is approaching his career, it is paying dividends.

“His weight is under control and probably the best it's ever been, which has allowed him to consistently take quality rides and perform at a high level.

“He's riding with confidence, making good decisions in races and his strike-rate reflects that. He's building momentum and earning the trust of trainers through his work ethic and results.

“A real highlight was riding his first provincial winner, which was a significant milestone and showed he's capable of performing when the standard lifts.”

North Queensland senior steward Darryl Griffith made specific mention of Goring’s hard work in recent times to get his weight down at a recent meeting.

“I feel like the results, they are finally speaking for the amount of work and effort I've put into my body,” Goring said.

“I try and put it out there on the racetrack. I've had a lot of really good people in my corner.

“You can't do things without good people around you. And, I feel like good things don't come if that doesn't happen.

“I think just the hard work, it is slowly starting to show with the results, which is awesome in a way, but it's also that the hard work never really stops.

“So, it is finally paying dividends in that sense.”

Goring, who is the son of the late rider Mark Goring, is in for a busy few days with rides at Mackay on Friday, before he heads to Goondiwindi on Saturday while he also has bookings at Blackall on Monday.

With a total of 15 engagements confirmed across the three meetings, it just shows how far the youngster has progressed in recent months.

“He's also starting to gain genuine traction across the North Queensland racing circuit, picking up more opportunities at TAB meetings and provincial level. Every ride is adding to his experience and confidence,” Gorman said of his apprentice.

“The plan has always been to build a solid foundation and that's exactly what he's doing.

“The experience he's gaining now will put him in a strong position when the time comes to make his mark back in South East Queensland.
 
 “More than anything, it's rewarding to see the person he's becoming.

“He's matured enormously, he's dedicated to improving every day and if he continues on this path, I think he's got a very bright future in the saddle.”

Goring is being managed by Ryan Crawford, who like Gorman, has also seen a shift in the jockey’s mindset.

“The last four to five months have been remarkable,” Crawford said.

“The results are now reflecting the work he's been putting in.

“Just as importantly, he's matured into a fine young man and become a real asset to the racing community. He's turned a corner both on and off the track.”

Goring has 31 winners to his name this season and is striking at 20%, which is a career-best mark across both categories.