Heywood will take a one-win lead into the second last meeting of the Southern District season at Narrandera on Sunday.

Heywood leads Simon Miller and apprentice Josh Richards by one win and has only been able to secure four rides on Narrandera Cup day.

Miller and Richards have both secured seven rides each.

Heywood concedes he is up against it in his bid to claim the premiership.

“It’s going to be hard with two meetings to go and they are at the worst places for me to get rides,” Heywood said.

“My biggest supporters don’t race at Narrandera and Albury and it makes it hard being a heavy rider and only getting two or four rides a meeting.

“(Simon and Josh) can both ride light so they have a big advantage.

“I think I’ve done a good job to get where I did and if I win it, I win it. I’ll play it by ear now.”

Heywood’s four rides at Narrandera are Uisce Beatha, Bye Bye Benji, Marquee and Kruanui. While light on for rides, Heywood is happy with the quality.

“They’re in the right races, put it that way, but it all depends on a bit of luck,” he said.

“I’ll be trying, it’s just not in my mind, the premiership. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

“I’ll keep going out there trying to give them every chance.”

Heywood is only able to ride at 58 kilograms for the moment, limiting his opportunities for rides.

A graduate of Peter Clancy’s stable, Heywood would be happy to see the Leeton trainer’s current apprentice, Richards, win the title in his first full season of riding.

“It would be good to see Josh win it,” he said.

“His riding has improved out of sight in the last few months.

“It’s probably going to come down to the last meeting it’s so close.”

After the nine-race card at Narrandera, the Southern District season will conclude at Albury on Tuesday week, July 31.

SDRA jockey’s premiership

27 Nick Heywood

26 Simon Miller, Josh Richards (a)

25 Nick Souquet

24 Kayla Nisbet, Rebeka Prest (a)

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