Sydney jockey Jason Collett will head to Goulburn on a mission when he rides Sir Barb – his partner Clare Cunningham's first runner as a trainer – and Japhite for father Richard on Monday.
"It is one of the days you look forward to, but I just have to make sure I ride them both well," Collett said. "Dad's horse is in the right race and hopefully it can get the job [done]. It would be great to ride a winner for Clare because I know how much she puts in."
Cunningham was the Sydney foreperson for Peter Moody and decided, after working for a number of different trainers, to take her trainer's licence.
She has a handful of horses in work and is enjoying the challenge.
"I'm doing it all myself and four or five is manageable on your own, but once you start getting any bigger you have to employ staff, which brings financial pressure," Cunningham said. "I'm happy at the moment and it's a good number to start with when you are hands on.
"I've always been quite hands on and I really enjoying riding horses. It's a big part of why I love racing."
Sir Barb was bought by Cunningham out of the Bjorn Baker yard and she owns it with her brothers and sisters.
"He is no world beater and I'd be happy to just win a couple of races with him, but at the moment we are just setting little goals because as you can see, his recent form isn't great," Cunningham said.
"I don't know if he will be able to get to a metropolitan race or be able to win one, but he has the potential to win a couple in the country when he is right."
The meeting will be the first for new Goulburn track manager Brad Yeadon. Goulburn District Race Club president Ken Ikin welcomed Yeadon taking on the role.
"Despite only taking over the reins two weeks ago, Brad is keen to continue the tablelands tradition of maintaining the first-class racing surface Goulburn has been renowned for in recent years," Ikin said.
"Goulburn's track has always been one of our strongest assets, as evidenced by the continued support we receive from city, provincial and country stables. Brad is excited about the opportunity and challenge of leading the club's continued efforts in this area."
Race diary
Monday: Cessnock, Goulburn. Tuesday: Bathurst, Tamworth. Thursday: Gundagai. Friday: Canberra, Muswellbrook. Saturday: Grafton, Mallawa, Parkes.
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