Jackson Radley completed a significant day for apprentice jockeys at Flemington on Saturday, particularly those from Tasmania, by guiding Seafall to a notable victory.
Radley continued his positive association with the mare trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, securing a win in the $150,000 The David Bourke (1620m) race. This event serves as a qualifier for the $200,000 Listed Winter Championship Final, which is scheduled in two weeks’ time.
The mare’s successful run came two races after Radley had already captured the $150,000 Bruce Gadsden Handicap (1420m) aboard Stylish, a stablemate from Lindsay Park.
Both of Radley’s wins occurred after fellow Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone had celebrated victories aboard Ciaron Maher-trained favourites Decalogue and Ten Commandments.
“It definitely keeps us competitive, that’s for sure,” Radley commented on the presence of Tasmanian rivals on the mainland, where he has been based since last year.
“It’s good to do this, especially for the Lindsay Park team.
“It’s already been talked about, them leaving me on a couple of their horses in the Finals Series races and I haven’t had a good day at Flemington before, so I’m glad to get a couple of winners on the board.”
Radley was pleased the mare Seafall had the advantage of the long Flemington straight on Saturday, enabling her to secure a win in a close finish with Al Duca and Highlights, making it four wins from her last five outings.
“I always thought I was going to reel them in, but any other track than today I probably wouldn’t have got there,” he said.
Radley’s two winning rides were not longshots – Seafall was dispatched at $5.50 and Stylish at $7 – but they were less popular with the betting public than Johnstone’s mounts.
After winning the second race on the $3.40 favourite Decalogue, Johnstone then guided the day’s shortest-priced favourite, Ten Commandments ($2.10), to victory in the fifth race.
“Obviously none of this would have been possible without the support I’m getting and Ciaron Maher and his team and I can’t thank them enough,” Johnstone said.
“He’s given me really good support and put a lot of trust in me.”
Apprentices secured more than half of the Flemington races on the day. The card commenced with Ryan Houston winning aboard Fontein Jewel for Ben Brisbourne and concluded with Luke Cartwright scoring on Obvious for Greg Eurell.
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