From the Saddle to the Supercar: Tyler Schiller vs. Matthew Payne in the Ultimate Racing Crossover

What happens when you take a Group 1-winning jockey and a Supercars driver and swap their rides? Pure, adrenaline-fueled entertainment! Ahead of the 2025 Thrifty Sydney 500 and the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, the Australian Turf Club teamed up with Supercars for an epic edition of the Jockey Challenge Series, pairing jockey Tyler Schiller with Supercar driver Matthew Payne to test their skills on and off the track. Watch all episodes here.

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A Morning at the Racetrack

The day kicked off at the heart of horse racing—the track. Matthew Payne got an insider’s look at morning trials, witnessing the power and precision of thoroughbreds in motion. But watching from the grandstand was the easy part. The real challenge? Saddling up.

Despite the nerves, Matthew revealed a hidden ace—he’d ridden horses in his younger years. That confidence carried him through as Tyler Schiller handed him the reins, quite literally. However, as Matthew quickly discovered, a childhood trot is a world away from race-ready thoroughbreds.

“Controlling another mind beside your own is next level,” he admitted as Tyler guided him around the parade ring.

With a newfound respect for the demands of the jockey’s craft, it was time to shift gears—literally

Switching Tracks. Tyler Takes on Sydney Motorsport Park

Next stop: Sydney Motorsport Park, where Tyler jumped into the Supercar simulator at the Focus Driver Performance Centre. Guided by Matthew, he took on the iconic Sydney track—and met his match at one particularly tricky corner. After a few too many spin-outs, Tyler had a newfound appreciation for just how fine the margins are in motorsport.

But what’s a lesson without a little real-world experience? Cue the V8 Mustang and a slippery wet pad track. This time, Matthew was in the driver’s seat, and Tyler was simply along for the ride—if you can call it that. As the Mustang drifted and spun, Tyler got a taste of what it’s like to go full throttle on four wheels.

“I think I’ll stick to four legs,” he laughed as he climbed out, slightly shaken but grinning from ear to ear.

The Final Showdown! Who’s the Ultimate Athlete?

With one challenge each under their belt, it all came down to the final test—a head-to-head battle in the Focus Driver Performance Centre’s cognitive gym. This high-tech facility measures reaction speed, neck strength, and mental endurance—critical skills for both a jockey and a Supercar driver.

Despite the pressure, Tyler came out on top, proving that the lightning-fast reflexes of a jockey are hard to beat. “Neck strength? I think the G-forces of a Supercar got me on that one,” Tyler admitted.

While the day may have been all about high-speed challenges, the real thrill is just around the corner. The Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival is where the best of the best—both human and equine—battle it out for racing glory. Whether you’re a Supercars fan looking for your next adrenaline fix or a horse racing lover ready for top-tier action, this is your moment.

Don’t just watch the action—experience it. Grab your tickets now and be part of the excitement!