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Jackson Radley picked up a valuable seven points for Tasmania with a winning ride in the first National Apprentice Race Series heat in Hobart on Sunday.
Jackson Radley, who has been riding in great form recently, was aboard the well-backed favourite Jehbenti, who, despite being a little slow to begin, was far too good for the opposition.
"I was a little bit nervous (missing the start), but luckily, they didn't want to come in too quick so I could hold my line. He kicked up and had a beautiful run," Radley said.
"He was very relaxed in the early stages and gave me a good kick up the straight and ran them down."
Jehbenti started as the favourite at $2.60. He defeated Bellasario ($11), with Whiz By ($7) third.
Despite finishing fourth in heat two, Caitlin Tootell gained maximum points for South Australia. The jockeys who rode the first three placegetters were not involved in the series.
The next round of the Apprentice Series is in Perth (WA) on 3 April with Erica Byrne Burke representing Tasmania.
The 2024 NARS points table after two rounds:
- South Australia 22
- Tasmania 16
- Northern Territory 13
- Western Australia 7
- Queensland 6
Personal best
Seven Mile Beach trainer Imogen Miller continued her recent run of success with a career best four winners.
Miller won with Blonde Star ($2.10), Dalton Dancer ($3.90), Saxon Mist ($8), and Kaliuwaa Falls ($5).
"I'm really happy with how the team is going at the moment, and it was great for things to fall into place for a great day," Miller said.
"I'm really pleased to have some nice horses and the support of great staff and owners, and Lindsey's (Smith) faith means a lot, and obviously, Brendon (McCoull) is a huge and important part of the team."
Three of Miller's winners were ridden by West Australian apprentice Zephen Johnston-Porter, who, despite not figuring in the two NARS races, took riding honours on the eight-race card.
Tasmanian apprentice Chelsea Baker backed up her winning double in Launceston on Friday night with another two winners.
