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By Julieanne Horsman

Ryan Bradley lightheartedly describes himself as having the shoulders of a brown snake, but anyone close to 21-year-old would more likely compare him to a pit bull – strong, loyal, and tenacious.

The apprentice jockey has undergone two shoulder reconstructions, but he’s bounced back both times and after a handful of rides he’s aiming to return to the winner’s circle over Easter.

“I’m really excited about my rides this weekend,” Bradley said. “I’ve done the work physically and mentally and I’m ready to get back into it.”

Ryan Bradley returns after winning on Nieces and Nephews at Goulburn. Image by Bradley Photographers

Now based at Kembla Grange with Kerry Parker as his master, Bradley has been riding trackwork and trials as well as resuming his jockey apprenticeship.

“I was living back home at Queanbeyan and my manager Ryan Robertson suggested I come to Kembla Grange where he is based and ride a few for some local trainers,” Bradley said.

“Kerry and I got along like a house on fire. He’s a great horseman and he offered me a gig, so I haven’t looked back.”

Looking back is something that Bradley is now comfortable with but there was a period when he was sure the world was against him.

He had his first race ride aboard Epaullo Creed, a horse part-owned by his father, brother, uncle and cousins, in October 2022. He won the Cooma Cup and Fred Cooper Cup in December 2022, but his momentum was halted a month later as he underwent major surgery on his left shoulder.

“I had dislocated it about nine times and had keyhole surgery on it,” Bradley said. “I had another fall so I needed the full reconstruction including a bone graft and implantation of a metal marble and four screws.”

Bradley worked hard on his rehabilitation and returned to the saddle in April 2024 but had just three race rides before he was dealt another devastating blow. He was riding trackwork and the horse reared up and dislocated Bradley’s other shoulder, which also required surgery.

“Having two major injuries so close together was challenging,” Bradley said. “One side was almost healed, and the other was fresh. I did a lot of work with Canberra physio Mitch Barbara to build up my strength.”

Bradley credits his family for getting him through his time on the sidelines: “I spent a lot of time at home and luckily mum and dad always knew what to say to keep me on track,” Bradley said.

He drew inspiration from his brother Hayden who had recently undergone an ankle reconstruction due to a rugby league injury, and stayed connected to racing through his cousins, fellow jockeys Matt and Luke Cartwright, and aunty, trainer Leonie Proctor. He also spent quality time with his grandfather, former jockey Henry Cartwright.

“It was a blessing to spend time with pop and hear his stories,” Bradley said. “He’s not getting any younger.”

Bradley has six rides this weekend. He will partner Downtown Bar and Back In A Tik for Kerry Parker and Superior Fun and King Charles for Anthony Mountney at Moruya on Saturday and Vis I Do for Anthony Mountney and Checkendon for Mike Cattell at Nowra on Sunday.

“Downtown Bar is only a little mare but she’s very brave,” Bradley said. “She didn’t handle the wet last time but has come along.

"King Charles always tries his heart out. I ride him in work and would love to kick him home in a race. Anthony has given me a lot of opportunities and support in my comeback so it would be nice to repay him with a win.”

Ryan Bradley’s minimum riding weight is 52kg, he has 4kg claim, and can be booked via his manager, Ryan Robertson.