Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller has added lustre to Thursday’s $80,000 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup by declaring he will have at least one starter in the north coast feature.
Waller nominated four horses – Coup Ay Tee (61kg), I’m Imposing (60kg), Black Jag (56.5kg) and Disciple (56kg) in the 1600m race.
With Coup Ay Tee and I’m Imposing finishing in the placings behind stablemate He’s Your Man in the Winter Challenge Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday, Waller indicated he would accept with either one or both of the other two.
Jason Collett has been booked to ride for Waller and newly crowned Brisbane jockeys’ premiership winner Tim Bell will also ride during the two-day carnival.
The Cup attracted a strong line-up of 27 entries with the $25,000 Daniel Baker Sprint (1200m) receiving 19 nominations.
Waller will also be a special guest at the Coffs Harbour Racing Clubs Sportsmans Breakfast at the race club on Wednesday.
He will be joined by Hall of Fame jockey Geoff Lane, record breaking rider Robert Thompson, rugby union great Mark Ella and Sydney Swans star, Jude Bolton.
Waller celebrated his fourth Sydney premiership by also winning his fourth Bart Cummings medal for which points are awarded by racing media for performances by jockeys and trainers at metropolitan meetings throughout the season.
He received his prize at a ceremony on Saturday night at which Robert Thompson was recognised for his achievement in riding his 4000th winner earlier this year.
Thompson has ridden more winners than any other Australian jockey and at 56, he says he has no plans to retire.
