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Radley’s dream debut

3 minute read

Apprentice Jackson Radley achieved the best result possible at his first race ride when he rode Rigoletto to victory in the Tasmanian Bloodstock Maiden/Class 1 over 1600m in Hobart on Sunday afternoon.

Settling off the speed with cover three-wide before finishing off best when presented, turning for home to race late to score by 3 1/2 lengths over Londiani and Punter.

Jackson Radley, 17, had been riding since an extremely young age and had achieved a lot in the equestrian field, including a second placing in the under-15 rider class at the national championships in 2019, before turning his attention to the race track.

"There wasn't really a decision to become a jockey.

"I just started riding track work, and it went from there," said Radley.

"I have been riding trials for six months and have enjoyed it so far.

"I do want to thank John and (his partner) Penny for taking me on as an apprentice, and to mum and dad for all the early mornings to getting me to Longford." added the winning rider.

His master, John Blacker, who also prepares Rigoletto, was full of praise for Radley when speaking on TasracingTV post-race.

"I thought this was the best horse for him to start off on, and luckily it was his first ride.

"For a kid having his first ride, I thought he rode him nine out of ten," said Blacker.

Ryota Morimoto also had his first two rides on the program, which included a placing aboard I'm Back.

Mandela Effect ends winning drought

It had been 1,263 days since Mandela Effect had been in the winner's list, and the nine-year-old gelding was able to cling on by a short-neck to record his 13th career win in the It's Why We Race Open Handicap over 1200m.

After settling second last,David Pires allowed the gelding to slowly idle up from the 800m to join the leaders at the top of the home straight and held off the fast-finishing Arty Lucas late, to the delight of trainer Scott Brunton.

"It's a testament to the stable to keep these old horses up and going.

"We came here pretty confident.

"Last start in Launceston, it was too wet, and the wheels just spun, but his run was outstanding here in the open handicap the fortnight prior," said the trainer.

Brunton and Pires had success earlier in the day with a double, with the progressive Tsunami Sam winning earlier in the day.

Tayah Stalker returns to winner's' list

Apprentice Tayah Stalker ended a run of outs when piloting Lily Luella to victory in the Kevin Sharkie Maiden over 1390m.

Stalker took a break from riding before having her apprenticeship transferred to Wesley Vale trainer Glenn Stevenson.

"It's good to get that win out of the way.

"I have just been taking it meeting by meeting and thinking when it happens, it will happen and try not to put too much pressure on myself," Stalker said post-race.

Lily Luella settled near the tail before improving into the race from the 450m to finish off best to score by a half-length over Love Nest and Where You From.

"She was travelling quite strong and then relaxed beautifully for me.

"Coming to the corner, she wanted to go, so I let her pop out, and she did the rest," the winning jockey explained.

Mehmet Ulucinar records long-priced double

Mehmet Ulucinar wasn't the punter's friend when riding a long-shot double.

Ulucinar scored on Needs Remembering at odds of $34 in the Racing Connect Class 1 over 1100m

The Needs Further gelding was having his first start since joining the stable of Terry Evans, with the win coming as a surprise to the trainer.

"I said to the owners we would use this as a barrier trial as he was a little bit underdone, and to have a few dollars each way and to hope for the best," Evans said.

Ulucinar completed his double when guiding the Peter Luttrell trained Captain Morgan at $34 to put an end to most quaddies in the first leg.


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