Kyle Wilson-Taylor is all business in the saddle – back flat, head level and still, eyes looking forward, hands over the wither, body well balanced and low over the horse.

Like all good riders after the race, he tries to keep the connection with the horse – a nice pat on the neck, gently ruffling the mane, a friendly scratch between the ears.    

It doesn’t always happen and it’s easier when you win of course.

When the up-and-coming apprentice rode into the winners’ stall on Short Sara after the seventh race at Ipswich racetrack on Wednesday there was more than the usual horse and rider connection.

Short Sara ($9), trained in Toowoomba by Michael Nolan, won the Renew ITC Membership Handicap (1710m) by three quarters of a length from Hostage Of War ($4.40) with The Big Eater ($19) a long neck further back in third.

“I’ve had three rides for three wins on her,” Wilson-Taylor said.