Talented Southern District apprentice jockey Josh Richards has returned to Wagga to continue his career in the saddle.
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Richards has returned to the stable of Wagga trainer Scott Spackman after three years in Leeton with Peter Clancy.
The 24-year-old shared last year’s Southern District apprentice jockey’s premiership and has again established himself among the region’s top handful this season.
But Richards decided a move home to Wagga was the best place to position himself going forward.
“Yeah I’m happy to be back,” Richards said.
“I had a great three years over there. Pete’s a very smart man, as it shows with all the kids he’s had there.
“Just with travel, it’s easier to base myself in Wagga and get to more race meetings and get more opportunities to ride for more people here.”
Richards has already enjoyed 43 winners in the saddle, moving his country claim down to two kilograms.
He still plans to travel to Leeton regularly to ride trackwork for Clancy.
The move home has already helped him establish a healthy balance, inside and outside of racing.
A builder by trade, Richards has been working on his Wagga home in his time away from the stables.
He is enjoying his new life balance.
“It’s good to be back home and it gives me a bit more balance outside of racing,” he said.
“It’s been good to see friends and family outside of racing for a bit, but at the same time, I want to work really hard to get to as many meetings as I can and get some more rides.”
Spackman was happy to take Richards back.
“I’m blessed, to be honest,” Spackman said.
“I think it will work well. It’s only early days but he’s fitted in really well. Back to where it all began.
“He’s come back a much more complete rider.”
Richards said while it was a tough call to make, he hopes the move can continue to further his promising career in the saddle.
“If I can get some more rides and get to more race meetings then that makes it worth it,” he said.
Richards added another win to his tally at Corowa on Thursday.
He continued his strong association with Albury trainer Andrew Dale after winning aboard Framework who was originally an emergency in the race.
Richards has two rides at Canberra on Friday, including Kiwicod for Spackman, who is knocking on the door after not finishing further back than fourth at his last five starts.
He also rides Polyxena for Rob Potter.
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