Jett Stanley ends apprenticeship on high note
Jett Stanley capped off his apprenticeship in style with a memorable win aboard The Instructor in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington.
The rising jockey produced a front-running ride on the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained sprinter, clinging on to edge out War Machine ($2.50) by a nose, with Hedged ($4.20) finishing half a length back in third.
It marked Stanley’s second win from as many rides on The Instructor, who also scored with him at Moonee Valley. The win came on Stanley’s final day as an apprentice before he officially became a senior jockey.
“I know it’s not the biggest race of the day, or the year, but for me it means a lot, especially winning for Gai and Adrian who have supported me very much,” Stanley said.
“I thought I was going to lose the ride as Gai doesn’t put apprentices on in Stakes races when they can’t claim.
“I had to convince her. It is my last day as an apprentice as I’ll be a senior the next day.
“I had done all the work, and she stuck solid and has stuck solid throughout.
“I’ve had nine rides for her this week, that racks up win number two with five placings as well.”
Stanley credits his familiarity with The Instructor, a sometimes tricky customer, as key to the result.
“This horse is very quirky, but I’ve been able to go in twice a week and gallop him and get him on song and ready for today,” he said.
“He likes to go above himself because he knows he’s got the ability.
“It’s a huge thrill.”
As was the case in their Valley victory, Stanley opted to stick to the inside and it again proved to be a winning move.
“That’s how he won it at Moonee Valley last time by railing and quickening around the tight corners which horses can rarely do,” Stanley explained.
“He just does it and he’s able to do it and put that little margin on them and that can be hard to catch back and that’s where I knew where I had it won.”
Stanley closed out his time as an apprentice with one final ride in the Cleanaway Handicap (1200m), finishing fourth aboard Flying Mikki.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...