Thinking smaller and learning to love it important for Bastyan, says Williams

Evan Williams believes hard work and learning to appreciate the smaller things in life are key to Mitchell Bastyan making a success of his second stint as a jockey, although the trainer admitted to having second thoughts about bringing the rider back into the fold.

Bastyan, 20, was widely regarded as one of racing’s up-and-coming stars this time last year with 27 winners under his belt and high-profile successes on the Williams-trained pair On Tour and Court Minstrel.

However, the jockey struggled in early 2018 and increasing weight and lack of self confidence resulted in him riding just one winner through the rest of the season before a period out of the sport while he contemplated his future.

Court Minstrel (Mitchell Bastyan, centre of front three) beats Sam Spinner (left) in the Silver Trophy at ChepstowCredit: Steve Davies

Bastyan rode his first winner since March when steering the aptly named Still Believing to victory at Hereford on Saturday, after which he said: "I'm back working for Evan and really enjoying life and riding again, which is brilliant."