Jaylah Kennedy: Finding her own form

Eight years ago, Kennedy arrived in Ballarat as a 16-year-old to work for trainer Dan O’Sullivan, expecting it to be a short stint. “I thought I’d be going home within a year,” she says. “Lots of people thought I would too – I’m really close to my family – but I’ve proved that wrong.” With no real-life experience and “no idea” what lay ahead, she was riding trackwork and mucking out stables the morning after she landed. The experience was unfamiliar in many ways, but the rhythm of stable life was second nature. 

It was O’Sullivan who suggested she consider race riding, and he has been her Master since day one.

“The O’Sullivans are like my second family. I couldn’t have done this without their support,” she says.

Working in a boutique stable of 15 to 20 horses gave her the confidence and hands-on experience that would eventually lead her to the Racing Victoria Apprentice Jockey Training Program, although she missed out the first time that she applied. “I was disappointed,” she admits. “But it also made me grow a bit.” 

Now in her final year of apprentice school, Kennedy describes her cohort as a “little family” – mostly female, with two males – and credits the program for the camaraderie as well as the education. “We go to school once a month, and I won’t lie, that sleep-in is a bit of a treat!” she laughs. 

Usually, her days begin at 4:20am, arriving at the stables just before five. She mucks out stalls, then rides trackwork in the early chill of the Ballarat mornings. “I’ve invested in toe warmers and good socks,” she says, “but I’ve realised that no matter what you spend on socks, they’ll never keep your feet completely warm!” 

After morning duties, she showers, packs her gear and hits the road for race meetings. Most evenings end with a quiet dinner and early bedtime. On top of her riding work, she fits in Pilates classes at a local studio run by Matt and Jade Nevett. “I just love it. That’s my me-time. It keeps me strong and fit and helps with my riding.” 

At just 4’9” and 52.5kg, Kennedy is finely attuned to her body and takes a disciplined, methodical approach to nutrition. “From Monday to Friday, I’m pretty strict,” she says. “It’s about planning ahead so I’m not caught out, and I try to keep my weight stable through food so I don’t have to sweat too much.” If a sweat is required, it’s usually just a matter of layering up during Saturday morning trackwork. Her interest in nutrition extends beyond the demands of riding weight. She’s taken the initiative to educate herself on the subject, finding it both practical and genuinely engaging. “It really interests me,” she says. “I wouldn’t mind turning it into a little side hustle.” Cooking and baking bring her joy – though she admits what she bakes doesn’t always align with race-day discipline. 

And as for long-term goals? A Group 1 win is top of the list, with the Cox Plate being her dream race. “I love staying races in particular,” she says. “I love the whole process – having time to breathe, to take it all in. There’s no better feeling than seeing the race unfold in front of you, and then coming home fast.”