It was an emotional Golden Slipper day for Tyler Schiller, with the star young jockey fighting back tears after dedicating his first Group 1 win to his father, Glenn, who has cancer.
The 24-year-old is still only an apprentice, but he piloted Mariamia to victory in the $1million Group 1 Galaxy with the composure of a grizzled veteran at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon.
The popular hoop, who won the 2021/2022 Sydney metropolitan apprentice title, hails from Young in the NSW Riverina, and is the son of well-known local harness trainer, Glenn Schiller. His grandfather, Peter, was also a top trots trainer.
Unfortunately, times have been tough for the close family of late, and Schiller’s first thought after winning his first Group 1 race was of his father.
He fought back tears as he described how much it meant to him to ride his maiden Group 1 winner.
A jubilant Tyler Schiller celebrates after securing his first Group 1 win with the Galaxy at Rosehill on Saturday
‘It feels unreal,’ Schiller said bluntly during Channel 7’s coverage of Golden Slipper day.
My father (Glenn), he has cancer. All he wants to see is me win a Group 1 and go out and do it now, it’s not real.’
Schiller couldn’t hold back the tears after the interview with a shoutout that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time: ‘A big hello to Mum and Dad at home.’
The Joe Pride-trained horse showed a brilliant turn of foot in the straight as Schiller piloted him through the expert rail to upset the backed favorite Uncommon James, with Cannonball finishing third.
It continues a remarkable rise through the jockey ranks for the talented youngster, who currently sits second in the Sydney Jockey Premiership despite only being a novice.
Schiller also became emotional when talking about his boss Mark Newnham, a legendary teacher for young jockeys, and a winning Group 1 trainer.
‘I can’t thank him enough for the opportunities I’m getting, it’s unreal. I’m so glad I got it,’ he said, after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas aboard Newnham’s horse, Matcha Latte.
Tyler Schiller took Mariamia home in the Group 1 Galaxy at Rosehill, ahead of his favorites Uncommon James and Cannonball
Schiller, known as one of the smartest dressers in the jockeys room, arrives at Rosehill for what will be the biggest day of his career
Head jockey coach at Racing NSW, 49-time Group 1 winning hoop Corey Brown, prompted more emotion from Schiller after giving his partner a big hug.
‘I wish I didn’t cry for it, but it’s the best feeling in the world,’ Schiller told Brown after Sky Racing.
It was also a brilliant win for the six-year-old mare Mariamia, who Schiller said did it ‘with ease’.
‘It’s the best feeling in the world, to do it with a horse like that. She’s come through the grades really sharply and Joe (Pride) has turned her around but gee she’s a good mare,’ he said.
‘I thought it was inevitable in the 100m, he was doing it easily, nobody could catch him.
‘To see her freeball for the last 200m, she’s a super mare and I’m very grateful to Joe (Pride) and the connections for putting me on. I can’t believe I won a Group 1.’
Tyler Schiller salutes the crowd following his first Group 1 win after taking on the Galaxy on Saturday
Pride in himself was no longer, well, pride, both of Schiller and his star mare.
‘Looking for a jockey in these big races with a light weight, you want someone who can ride a horse naturally, and Tyler is a natural,’ he said after the race.
‘He won more for me last season than anyone else, and here’s the reward.
‘It’s pretty special. I’ve been really happy with her (Mariamia) all preparation. He didn’t see the 1300m out the other day but freshened up and came back with a sprint trip, he was really dynamic there today.
‘That was his crowning moment, he has now won the Galaxy.’
Racing continues at Rosehill this Saturday for Tancred Stakes day.
