Dubai: It looks so easy what Harry Bentley can do when he is in the saddle, hands on the reins, head down behind the horse's neck and winning on his mind.
There are some jockeys who impress you right away and Bentley is one of those guys. The 18-year-old rookie from England has already booted home two winners in the UAE and has made people sit up and notice that he is without doubt a star on the rise.
But Bentley is not overwhelmed by his skills, or the results that he has achieved in riding winners at Meydan and Sharjah. What strikes you about his attitude is that he knows he still has a lot of growing to do and self reflection before he can really be successful.
"To be honest I came here not expecting to be getting rides. I just wanted to be riding work and learning all the different things," he said. "But the second day I was here I had two rides at Jebel Ali and then at Meydan I had a full book.
Sense of achievement
"Winning my first race for Mr Satish Seemar with Ronaldothewizard gave me a real sense of achievement. It is a real privilege to ride for him. Then I won my second race at Sharjah. I can't be happier with the start I've made over here."
His pride was showing though and he did not need to say anything more to prove his point. "I came here with an open mind and I haven't really set myself any targets. I just want to ride as much as I can and anything more than that will be a bonus," said Bentley who appears to be mature beyond his years, in and out of the saddle.
Asked if he has developed a certain riding style the fresh-faced youngster said: "It's starting to come along. My style is getting better but I still have a long way to go. My confidence is growing as well and I'm a lot happier in what I'm doing.
"I've always looked up to Ryan Moore and would like to be like him. He's a fantastic jockey, so polished in the saddle and very strong at the finish. He has great balance and always manages to get his horse in position to have a clear run."
First ride
Bentley took out his apprentice licence at the British Racing School in 2009 and rode for successful West Sussex trainer Gary Moore, Ryan's father last season in the UK, where he posted 13 wins.
"I had my first ride at Brighton aboard a horse called Turner's Touch, and I finished fourth," Bentley recalls of his racecourse debut. "It was an amazing feeling and left me wanting more. I had my first winning at Kempton on Prince Valentine. He was a horse who went into the race with not much of a chance. But he ran a big race. Winning that race gave me the best feeling, ever."
Hopefully for the youngster that feeling will become commonplace in the UAE.
