Jabez Johnstone from Tasmania grabs mainland success with Ciaron Maher
Jabez Johnstone, apprentice from Tasmania, has enhanced his prospects for a future shift to Melbourne with a winning ride for trainer Ciaron Maher.
The young rider steered Maher's Cardi Bee to the top in the IVE> Handicap (1500m) held at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday as part of a brief incursion.
Johnstone jetted into Melbourne on Sunday, participated in trials at Cranbourne Monday, worked some gallops at the same venue Tuesday, then had a pair of rides for the Maher outfit on Wednesday's races.
Positioned second on Tasmania's jockeys' premiership with 47 triumphs this season, Johnstone planned a Wednesday night flight home ahead of seven engagements at Devonport this Sunday.
Jack Turnbull, who serves as National Assistant Trainer at Ciaron Maher Racing, suggested Johnstone might repeat the exercise in two weeks' time.
"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 expressed eagerness to revisit Melbourne.
Accompanied by former jockey and apprentices' guide Alf Matthews, he walked the Caulfield Heath track to get a sense of it and was taken aback by its profile.
"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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