Top jockey Kevin Stott hoping to reignite his UK career after return from New Zealand following tough 18 months
KEVIN STOTT is hoping to announce his return to the UK with a bang at Doncaster.
The former Amo Racing No1 rides Naepoint in the Spring Mile on Saturday having spent the last six months in New Zealand after a rough first season as a freelance.
He enjoyed plenty of highs in 2023, when he won a hatful of big races as Kia Joorabchian’s retained jockey, but was sacked in September of that year and split with girlfriend Megan Nicholls around the same time.
Denmark native Stott decided to go freelance for the first time but rode just 30 winners last term, his lowest tally in nine years.
But he had a good bit of success Down Under over the winter, riding 22 winners including a big Group 1 sprint in Wellington in January.
Stott said: “It was great there, I had no idea what to expect but I got some opportunities and it went really well.
“On a personal level as well, last year was a struggle, it was very difficult and it was great to get down there and have a bit of a reset.”
On Saturday, Stott, 30, rides the well-fancied hat-trick seeker Naepoint for Ed Bethell and on Sunday he’ll get the leg up on Aleezdancer for old ally Kevin Ryan.
He continued: “I got back only about three weeks ago and I’m back up in the north where I started my career.
“I’ve been riding out for a few trainers, Kevin Ryan and Ed Bethell mainly, and I’ve got a new agent in Chris Dixon which is big for me.
“I’m going to get my head down, work hard and try to get going here again, I’m willing to get stuck in.
“I haven’t got any deals or agreements in place, I’m still freelance and I’m going to work hard and hopefully someone will give me regular rides.
“I actually rode a winner on my first ride back at Newcastle the other day, but the best way to remind everyone you are back and you can still do it is with a big Saturday winner.
“I’ve won on Naepoint at Donny before and he has been in good form at home.
“He’s a lovely horse and goes there with every chance. It’s a big weekend.”
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