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Hall of Fame jockey Stephen Maskiell rode over 1,700 winners in his career but it’s a family achievement he’ll be chasing in Hobart on Sunday.
Stephen Maskiell, who rode his final race in 2014, is now a part-owner of likely race favourite Dantes who will carry the top weight of 59kg in the Vale Dean Holland Class 1 Handicap (1200m).
Stephen's son Kyle Maskiell rode a winner for the family aboard Hailed back in 2015, and on Sunday his older brother Jason returns to the state looking to emulate that feat.
"It will be the first time that Jason has ridden for us," Stephen said.
"He's only come back for two rides (Dantes and Ivoryman in race 8), so it would be a good fairy tale story if he can get a winner."
4YO gelding Dantes hasn't missed a place in any of his three career starts which included a maiden win in Hobart on 19 March. The horse was late starting his racing career in Tasmania as he was originally overseas.
"We received the opportunity with Dantes because of the success we had with Lim's Cruiser.
"Dantes had two trials up in Singapore and won both of them, but they had trouble getting him right and we'd shown them photos and videos of Scott's (Brunton) property with the two beaches which is great for rehab."
Dantes has started favourite at all three starts in his debut campaign, including a luckless third last start when held up at a key stage. While Maskiell is confident of a forward showing on Sunday, he thinks the horse will be even better next preparation.
"I think he's going to be a really nice horse after he has a break.
"He's still a young horse in his mind and we'll likely see the best of him over more ground."
Sunday's race is named in honour of jockey Dean Holland who tragically lost his life in a race fall at Donald last Monday.
Holland was a frequent visitor to Tasmania, riding over 100 times including feature wins in the 2014 & 2015 Newmarket Handicap and 2015 Devonport Cup for trainer Scott Brunton.
A GoFundMe page was established to support Dean's partner Lucy and her four children with Tasacing and the Tasmanian Jockeys Welfare Fund combining to add $10,000 to the cause.
"We weren't close, but I knew Dean and like everyone I just thought about how awful the news was.
"Jason (Maskiell) knew him as well and no doubt it's just a tough time for everyone that was close to Dean," said Stephen.
