Jockey Ned Curtis intent on making most of Kim Bailey link after six months off

Conditional jockey Ned Curtis, who has not ridden since March, cannot wait to get going again after discovering his love for the sport during his absence.

Curtis, the son of late trainer Roger who died last year, had been attached to Nicky Henderson's powerful Lambourn yard but decided to take a break in the spring.

Fortified by that time off, the rider has linked up with Kim Bailey and is determined to make the most of things.

"I just wanted a bit of time off and refresh, and make sure riding was what I wanted to do," he said. "I had some bits and bobs of Dad's to sort out in Tenerife and I got my head focused on what I want to do, which is riding – 100 per cent.

"Things were up in the air when I took the break. It wasn't a rash decision, but I didn't know what I wanted to do, which meant I wasn't 100 per cent focused on riding and you need to be.

"I needed to step back and make sure it's what I wanted it, which it definitely is. It's more than just missing it, even if you had a successful career doing something else – it's addictive."

Curtis, who has also ridden a handful of winners on the Flat, added: "I missed riding a lot. I needed to do it and the opportunity arose to link up with Kim through Dave Bass, who is stable jockey there.

"I knew Dave from Nicky's and he was a big influence, very helpful. I've been there three weeks now and I'm just in the process of reapplying for my licence, which I hope to finalise on Monday.

"I won't be too busy for a while because not much is ready to run, but I've a new agent in Chris Broad."

Curtis, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday, maintained his fitness through the summer and also had a spell riding out for Archie Watson.

He is relishing his new role with Grand National-winning trainer Bailey, who memorably captured the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1995.

"I'm loving it," continued Curtis, committed to bettering last season's tally of four winners. "It's an exciting time of year with all the horses coming back in and it's a lovely, friendly yard with good owners and staff.

"I can't wait to get going again and I'm a lot happier now. I wasn't depressed, but I just wasn't happy and that's life sometimes. This seems a really positive move and everyone's keen for it to work.

"I've got to improve on last season. I want to have my best season jumping and 15-20 winners would be my ballpark figure – I'd be delighted with that."

Reflecting on his time at Seven Barrows, the jockey said: "I did four years there and I learned a hell of a lot. There's no better grounding from Nicky or schooling with Barry Geraghty and Nico de Boinville or the other top boys coming in.

"You're surrounded by top horses, a top trainer and top riders – you can't not learn."

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