Ngakau Hailey. Photo: Kenton Wright – Race Images
“You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural.”
Those were the words of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master Noel Harris when describing 18-year-old apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey who died following a collision.
His motorbike and a car collided in central Hamilton on Wednesday last week.
“It’s tragic, words just can’t describe it. I was talking with him on Monday and then this happens,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master Noel Harris said.
Hailey, apprenticed to Te Awamutu trainer Debbie Sweeney, launched his riding career two years ago and recorded his first win on the Sweeney-trained Chattahoochee at Cambridge in June 2023.
He rode 39 winners in the last two seasons.
Hailey was initially raised on the East Coast where he began riding bareback. He competed in horse sports before moving to Hamilton when he was eight.
He aspired to play at a high level in rugby league, and played for Hamilton City Tigers, Waikato Māori and Waikato District. His small stature kept him from progressing in league but helped follow a new path when he joined his uncle on a trip to Pokeno where tried his hand at riding track work.
He began riding regular track work for trainer Shelley Wright before commencing his apprenticeship with Sweeney.
A service was held at Park Chapel, Newstead Cemetery on Monday.
Ngakau Hailey. Photo: Kenton Wright – Race Images
