Ben Melham is determined to make the most of his talent and is now prepared to put in the hard work required as he tries to establish himself as one of the premier riders in Victoria.
The senior hoop kicked off the new season in terrific style with a double at Moonee Valley on Saturday – guiding both Our Nkwazi and Crafty Cruiser to victory – and revealed a new level of commitment for 2015/16.
“I’ve made it a personal goal of mine this year to really knuckle down and see how far I can get,” Melham told Racing.com’s Correct Weight.
“I want to start riding more.
WATCH: Ben Melham guide Our Nkwazi to victory at Moonee Valley
“I’m 27 years of age now and it’s probably time to knuckle down and have a crack if it’s not too late already.”
Everyone knows Melham, a nine-time Group 1-winner, has got the ability but hasn’t made the most of it yet and he wants to make sure there are no excuses as he chases a career-best season.
“The hips play up a little bit, especially through the winter months, but there’s probably a little bit of laziness there too to be honest but I’ve made it a goal of mine to knuckle down,” he said.
“I want to be riding 54kg consistently in the next couple of weeks, so I’m really keen on that and hopefully having a good spring.
“I’ve got some good stables around me so I want to use them to my benefit.”