Leading apprentice for 2014, O’Brien ‘Skin Teeth’ White says that he is riding with a lot of confidence and determination for some time now and that hard work and dedication can make a difference in winning races. “Once you are confident, you can win races… once you are committed, you can win races.

I believe that hard work and dedication are the keys to winning races, as once you believe in yourself and put your mind to it, then all things are possible,” White emphatically told the Complete Racing Guide.

Last racing season, White rode 45 winners to take the title as champion apprentice, finishing fourth in the jockey’s championship behind Dane Nelson, who won his third title in succession. “To ride 45 winners in one season is a great accomplishment for me as an apprentice rider.

This shows my ability and determination to get the job done. To finish fourth among the best riders at the Park is just great for me and is a real boost to my career and I will try my best to get better from here on,” he said.

White, who started riding at the Park on September 8 2012, said while he is not attached to any one stable he has no difficulties getting the rides, but winning the races is the important thing.

“I am not confirmed to any one stable at the moment, but the rides are not hard to get because I ride for every trainer and we have a good relationship. So the problem is not the rides, it is just about winning the races when you get the rides. Every opportunity I get I just make full use of, ” he said. The 21-year-old White has ridden 53 winners in his career, with his biggest victory coming on December 6, 2014 aboard Potcheen in the Wassy Bike Gold Cup.

“Wow…that feeling was very good in winning the Gold Cup as it was the biggest race I ever won since I started riding here in 2012. I was happy with the victory as I was working and training really hard for this win,” he noted. White, who graduated from Holmwood Technical High School and came straight into racing, said that he has no regrets in choosing a profession in the horse racing industry. “I have no regrets.

Owners, trainers, grooms, family, friends, fans and my agent have been good to me, they have supported me well by giving me encouragement and guidance. I can’t ask for any better, and I thank them for that, and I will work hard in making them proud,” White said with an obvious look of determination on his face.