Damian Browne hadn’t ridden at Ipswich for three years before completing a treble on Smokin’ Joey on Saturday.
Browne had earlier won on Wicked Intent and Rock Royalty but was seen at his best on Smokin’ Joey in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes.
Smokin’ Joey
“I might give it another three years break and come back for another treble,” Browne said.
“I usually like just riding in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast but it is great to come here on a big day and ride a treble.”
Smokin’ Joey, the $4.60 favourite, scored by a neck to Daph `N’ Alf ($9).
While Browne has ridden hundreds of Queensland winners, it was a first for Smokin’ Joey’s trainer Wez Hunter.
“Smokin’ Joey has been wonderful for me. I only had four horses when he came into the stable and now I have 30,” he said.
“He has helped put me on the map. But he can be a hard horse to ride as he has to get out and roll at the end of races. Damian rode him just like that.”
Smokin’Joey will now go for a spell and return with the Group One Emirates Stakes (1600m) his main mission in November.
“He is far from finished and he has paid his way up here. There is no reason he shouldn’t be a force in the spring,” Hunter said.
Smokin’ Joey won last year’s Group One Goodwood but the Eye Liner was his best result in six Queensland starts.
Ulmann ($4.80) came from near last to finish third, a half neck behind Daph `N’ Alf.
Michael Cahill said Ulmann had no luck at the top of the straight and should have gone close to winning.
