Tasmanian apprentice Jabez Johnstone has boosted his chances of relocating to Melbourne by securing a victory aboard Ciaron Maher’s runner.
Johnstone guided the Maher-prepared Cardi Bee to success in the IVE> Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday during a quick raiding trip.
Having arrived in Melbourne by flight on Sunday, Johnstone took part in jump-outs at Cranbourne on Monday and completed several gallops there on Tuesday prior to picking up two mounts for the Maher stable on the Wednesday card.
Johnstone, currently placed second on the Tasmanian Jockeys’ premiership with 47 successes this campaign, was set to depart back home on Wednesday evening and lines up with seven mounts at the Devonport fixture come Sunday.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, indicated that Johnstone could be back for another short visit in a couple of weeks.
“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 mentioned his anticipation for a return trip to Melbourne.
He gained an understanding of the Caulfield Heath surface after a track inspection alongside apprentices’ mentor and ex-jockey Alf Matthews, and was surprised by its undulations.
“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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