Trainer Lucinda Boyd has cited jockey error as the reason for Haaland’s last-start defeat at Morphettville, a situation she hopes to rectify in the Prestige Equine Veterinary Handicap (2500m) at Murray Bridge this Saturday.

Boyd, who generally avoids criticising riders, took responsibility for her handling of Haaland when the horse finished second at Morphettville on September 12.

Boyd had previously partnered Haaland to consecutive wins at Sandown and Geelong about 12 months ago, marking her first ride back on the stayer after it had competed with other jockeys for four outings.

“This horse really enjoys the firmer surfaces, and we thought he should have probably won last start,” Boyd said.

“It was a bit more of jockey error, than his fault.”

“When a $101 pop whipped around the field, I didn’t want to get sucked into chasing it, but when it did whip around, I probably should have kept my momentum, but it’s easy to sit back and say that now.”

“He’s a tricky horse, as he can get in front and switch off and I was bearing that in mind because I didn’t want that to happen if he was to get past that horse and be in front for too long.”

“I think I probably should have backed him in a little bit more than what I did.”

Haaland has been unable to secure a win since his triumph on Geelong Cup Day last year, however, Boyd maintains the stayer has been performing creditably.

Substantial weights had previously necessitated Boyd’s absence from the saddle, with apprentice riders being engaged.

“I’ve been keen to get back on him,” Boyd commented.

“He had big weights at Swan Hill and at Sandown, and to be fair Holly (Durnan) did a really good job on him (three runs back) and that’s why we kept her on and claimed the second time, but I was pretty keen to get back on him.”

“He’s going well this preparation. He can really sustain a good gallop and now that he’s fit, we can use that to his advantage and over a suitable trip as well.”

Boyd admits that she doesn’t receive the number of rides she desires, noting that she is occupied with her own team of horses and a young family.

“It’s a bit tricky because people don’t enquire for me to ride because I’m not riding all the time,” Boyd revealed.

“If I ride horses at jump-outs, I’ll put my hand up for the race ride, but we’ve got a young family and our own horses in work, and it’s hard juggling everything.”

The decision for Boyd, Haaland, and their team to travel to Murray Bridge on Thursday was a strategic one, mirroring the approach taken before the stayer’s narrow defeat at Morphettville.

“It allows him to settle in,” Boyd explained.

“We did that last time when we went to Morphettville.”

“We think that is a good recipe.”

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