Derby winner poised for 2025 The Beauford bounce back

For Dylan Gibbons, Newcastle’s standalone race day is more than just another meeting — it’s a homecoming. The Sydney-based jockey was born and raised in the city, completed his apprenticeship with Kris Lees, and still holds fond memories of his first stakes triumph on the local track.

That breakthrough came in 2021 when Gibbons guided Festival Dancer to victory in the Spring Stakes for Matt Smith, setting him on the path to Group-class success.

“That was three or four years ago. I’m starting to feel like I’m an old jockey,” he laughed.

“I love it there. The other boys don’t because it’s two hours down the freeway, but I used to do that all the time.

“It is one of my favourite tracks. Not because I grew up there but it’s a spacious track. It’s a beautiful area and it’s good to get back and see some family and friends.”

Gibbons will ride in eight races on Saturday, including all three features. His leading chance looks to be Maison Louis ($5.50) in the Listed The Beauford (2300m).

The Queensland Derby winner finished a strong third in the Hill Stakes (1900m) before a below-par effort in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m), where Gibbons felt he never handled the rain-affected track.

“He was a little bit disappointing the other day, but I put that down to the rain on the day,” Gibbons said.

“He travelled so well in the run. He travelled on the back of the winner and the moment I clicked him up he just completely lost his way. If you watch the replay, he gets himself on a weird angle and he was floating. I thought he didn’t handle the track and visually, it looks the same way.

“His work suggests he has gotten over that run and I’m very happy with where he’s at.”

After the scratching of Pocketing, 13 runners remain for The Beauford, where Maison Louis sits behind $5 equal favourites Future History and Grand Pierro — the latter coming off a strong third to Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours in the Naturalism Stakes.

Gibbons will also reunite with Kris Lees aboard Infancy in the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) and partner Pinot Nero for John Ramsey in the Spring Stakes (1600m).

Before placing a bet this weekend, compare odds and racing offers via JustHorseRacing’s bookmakers page.