Tim Clark continues to cement his place among Australia’s top jockeys, nearly two decades after claiming his first Group 1.

Last weekend, he rode War Machine to victory in the Stradbroke Handicap, marking his 26th major win—17 years on from his breakthrough aboard Typhoon Zed in the 2008 The Galaxy.

Clark says the thrill of chasing big-race success keeps him motivated.

“There is always something to keep you motivated, whether that’s a horse or a certain race,” he said.

Despite spending much of winter riding Saturdays in Brisbane, he sits fourth in the Sydney jockeys’ premiership with 55 wins.

“I’ve had really good support throughout and been able to capitalise on a few of those opportunities,” he said.

Clark has seven rides at Randwick on Saturday, including Civic Stakes (1400m) hopeful Bases Loaded.

“He has been gelded this prep and he does seem to be coming up well,” Clark said. “He could surprise fresh.”