3 minute read

It must have seemed all too surreal when rejuvenated jockey Colin Lennon matter of factly brought Bittergreymagic back into the winner’s stall at Ferguson Park racecourse, Gladstone last Saturday.

It was a mixture of pride, elation and satisfaction returning back where he belonged winning after being absent since breaking his neck in January, 2016.

"It's a great feeling that's for sure, this win on a Bittergreymagic," Lennon said.

"This was just my 10th ride back and it takes a bit of adjusting when you have been out for so long.

"They go a lot faster around these country tracks and you have to get out and have your horse running."

Making the win more enjoyable was that Bittergreymagic is trained by Rockhampton's Alan Jones, who has wholeheartedly supported him and helped entice the jockey to relocate to the city from Mackay.

"I was told by jockey Montana Philpot and others that there was a real shortage of track work riders and jockeys in Rocky so I decided to come down and base myself here," Lennon said.

Lennon had spent most of his jockeying career in Mackay where he was a regular in the winners' circle throughout that district.

His previous winner came about on the Olivia Cairns-trained Anzus at Charters Towers on December 12, 2015.

Just over a month later, Colin sustained a broken neck when thrown from a young horse he was educating at Townsville's Cluden racecourse.

He was on the sidelines for years, and underwent a constant and regimented rehabilitation program as well as wearing a neck brace for an extended period.

"I was determined to come back but it had its moments," he said.

"It's all worthwhile now and I plan to stay in Rocky."