Scone-based apprentice Reece Jones has bought up a winning treble as Opacity ran away to claim victory in the Racing To Win Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.
Jones had already notched up wins aboard the James Cummings-trained Gravina and won the TAB Highway (1500m) aboard Casino Kid.
Opacity bounced back after a disappointing effort three weeks ago to pull away over the concluding stages and record a 1.53 length win.
Jones was over the moon as he returned to scale to the cheers of the crowd.
“I was hoping to come away with one really, but to come away with three is a huge thrill,” he said.
“I was flat out riding one (winner) but to come away with a double and then a treble on top of that, it’s outstanding.
“First of all ((I would like to thank) my boss, Mr. Rod Northam in Scone, my stepdad, my mum and everyone that’s putting me on.
“A big thank you to Mr. O’Shea today and Champion Thoroughbreds for giving me the ride. Really, really pleased to bring up my first treble.”
Opacity jumped well and was able to sit in a great position just forward of midfield in the running.
Jones pulled him into the clear as they turned for home and waited patiently, before pressing the button as Opacity broke away to win easily.
Trainer John O’Shea was full of praise for the apprentice, with the in-form trainer saying there is a position for him to fill in the metropolitan racing circuit.
“I think he’s a wasted talent. I think he needs to be in town,” he said.
“He rides light, he’s got three kilos and there are no three-kilo kids in town at the moment.
“He’s got the world at his feet and hopefully he gets the opportunity to show how good he is by basing himself out of Sydney.
“The time is right now.”
