With several of Sydney’s top jockeys in Brisbane, Dylan Gibbons gets another opportunity to shine.
A recent move to Sydney is starting to pay dividends for Dylan Gibbons as he looks to capitalize on the exodus of riders to Queensland for the winter carnival.
Gibbons was sidelined for several months after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in November, just a handful of months after completing his apprenticeship.
When he finally returned to the saddle it was carnival time and difficult to get an immediate foothold.
Biting the bullet, he made the shift from Newcastle in order to expand his opportunities by riding trackwork for more Sydney trainers and the fruits of that decision are beginning to blossom.
Gibbons booted home a double for Bjorn Baker at Randwick last Saturday and with many of the senior hoops in Brisbane over the coming weeks, he is intent on continuing to build momentum.
“This time of year when all the jockeys get split up a bit, it allows for a few more opportunities,” Gibbons said.
“Now is when I need to get a roll on, build some new connections and hopefully get a bit of luck.”
Gibbons has rides in eight of the 10 races at Rosehill on Saturday, including four for the powerful Hawkes Racing operation.
They include Brave One in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m), a colt regarded highly enough to contest the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) in the spring.
He arrives at Saturday’s race after resuming with a second at Canterbury last month and Gibbons regards him as a genuine chance.
“They’re obviously a very good stable to ride for and if you put in the work for them, they’re happy to reward you quickly,” Gibbon said of Team Hawkes.
“It has worked out with a few of their other riders going to Queensland as well but it’s good they’ve been able to offer me most of their rides on the day and some of them are great chances too.
“The other day, Brave One was first-up on a wet track so he probably just needed that run to top him off for Saturday.
“He is early in his career and hopefully he is on the upward spiral.”
Gibbons is also looking forward to partnering juvenile Swift Legend for Les Bridge in the opening race.
The Dundeel colt was doing his best work late when fifth over 1000m on debut and steps up to 1300m in the Schweppes Handicap.
“Last time I rode a two-year-old for Les it was (dual Group 1 winner) Celestial Legend,” Gibbons said.
“That was probably one of the last horses I rode for him so hopefully this one is just as fast.”
