For an apprentice jockey aiming to improve their riding skills and learn from those that have done it themselves in the saddle, the Thornton stable on the Gold Coast might just be one of the best going.

Each time Ballina trainer Stephen Lee has set a horse for the Newhaven Park Northern Rivers Country Championships he’s been successful in booking a place in the Final.

Zipping Boy will attempt to keep his unbeaten Sandown record intact when he lines up on Wednesday.

Four-decade northern training great and Group winner Stephen Lee has seen the traditional Ballina Cup harder to win every season, but he’s invariably the man to beat on home turf.

If Pleased can capture the Lismore Cup it will be the icing on the cake for a group of friends who have had the time of their lives with the well-performed eight-year-old.