Apprentice Jabez Johnstone out of Tasmania has strengthened his case for eventually basing himself in Melbourne courtesy of a win riding for Ciaron Maher.
Partnering the Ciaron Maher-trained Cardi Bee, Johnstone claimed the IVE> Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday in a swift crossover venture.
Touching down in Melbourne Sunday, he competed in jump-outs at Cranbourne the next day Monday, followed by gallops at Cranbourne Tuesday, before securing two rides with the Maher team on Wednesday.
With 47 winners to his name this term, Johnstone holds second spot on the Tasmanian Jockeys’ premiership, scheduled to fly out Wednesday night for seven rides at Devonport on Sunday.
National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull from Ciaron Maher Racing noted Johnstone’s potential for a repeat visit in a fortnight.
“He’s come over from Tasmania through Steve Maskiell and he’s hit the ground running,” Turnbull said.
“He flies back tonight, but he’s back in a fortnight to do a similar thing and then I guess it’s up to him and Ciaron and the team if he would like to come back and ride in Melbourne.
“He rode trials on Monday, and a couple of gallops, and the idea was to get a couple of rides today and thankfully he’s got a winner at his second race after he rode the first one really well.
“Hopefully he likes his time and wants to come back.
“He’s a good young kid with plenty of ability and he showed that today as he was very collected in the run.”
Johnstone voiced his excitement about coming back to Melbourne.
He familiarized himself with Caulfield Heath by walking it with mentor to apprentices and retired jockey Alf Matthews, astounded by the track’s shapes.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for all their support, all the team back home and Ciaron and the team here, they put a lot of faith in me,” Johnstone said.
“The race, it worked out perfectly.
“I had barrier 10 and it was a blessing in disguise actually. She likes to roll forward and on this tight turning track, the genuine speed helped me, and we were able to get in, and she was able to do the rest.”
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