A day for career milestones at Thoroughbred Park this Friday
It is a day of important career milestones this Friday at Thoroughbred Park as fan-favourite Kayla Nisbet enjoys her final day of race riding on her home track, with a career in the media due to begin next month.
The Canberra-based Jockey has ridden almost 600 career winners and will now join Sky Racing as a presenter in the SERA & SDRA regions just weeks after her biggest career win on Asgarda in the Country Championships Final.
At the other end of their career as a racing participant, Canberra’s newest Trainer Scott Jamieson will saddle up the first runner of his career when Chipstar steps out in the Iron Jack Handicap, a Benchmark 50 over 1200m.
“I’m excited but a bit nervous.” Jamieson said. “I’m sure the nerves will really kick in just before the jump.”
“I’m happy with Chipstar here, he’ll certainly take improvement from the run and be effective once he gets out a bit in trip.”
Chipstar is a winner of three races and will partner with Damon Budler on Friday, where they’ll jump from barrier 9.
Jamieson served under the tutelage of Joseph Jones Racing for four and a half years before joining Nick Olive as Foreman. Jamieson was Foreman for Rex Cole prior to taking the plunge into Training in his own right.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a while so you can say I’m living the dream.” Jamieson said.
“I’ve only got three in work currently but I hope to attract some owners and expand on the back of some success.”
Later in the program, the TAB Federal (1400m) is shaping as a brilliant contest with many different form lines engaged.
Kayla Nisbet will have her final TAB Federal ride aboard Natalie Jarvis’ Napoleon Solo who comes off a strong third at Thoroughbred Park on 29 March.
Matthew Dale has entered a highly competitive duo including Stakes-placed Mystery Shot and one-time TAB Tony Campbell Cup winner Toretto. The former will have to carry a significant weight with 65.5kgs before Holly Durnan’s 2kg claim but both have drawn beautifully in barriers 6 and 2 respectively.
The star power doesn’t stop there with Ron Stubb’s Baledon entering after a run of placings including a close third in the SDRA Country Championships Qualifier.