Mature-age apprentice Ben Knobel reached a career milestone when he rode his 20th city winner as part of a winning double at Caulfield.
The 26-year-old, who only learned to ride seven years ago, broke a run of 76 city defeats for trainer David Hayes when Manilla Jewel scored a runaway win Saturday’s Kevin Dunne Handicap (2000m).
Knobel then posted his 21st city win on Classy Chloe who fought back to land the Barbara Booth Handicap (1200m).
Knobel has served his time as an apprentice with trainers Shane Stockdale, Tony Noonan and more recently Mick Price and has been determined to succeed despite a frustrating run of injuries.
A broken leg, broken arm and broken fingers haven’t dampened his enthusiasm after he gave up a university course and plans to be sports psychologist for a career in the saddle.
“I thought I would much rather be an athlete,” said Knobel whose father is a doctor and his mother a nurse.
His passion for racing evolved when he accompanied his parents to race meetings.
He admits there have been tough times but he has thrived on the challenge.
“If you see though the hard times and get to the other side it is well worth it and very rewarding,” said Knobel who has described jockey Chris Symons as a “great mentor” for him.
Manilla Jewel was the first horse Knobel had ridden for the Hayes stable and after finishing third on her at Flemington and second last start at Caulfield, he booted her home on Saturday.
Hayes’ racing manager Gary Fennessy said he feared Manilla Jewel ($3.40) wouldn’t get a clear run when she was pocketed on the fence behind the leader, Inaura, but Knobel was able to shoulder out at the top of the straight and she burst clear to win by 4-1/4 lengths from favourite The Night’s Hot ($3.20).
Knobel looked as if he would have to settle for second on Murray Bridge-trained filly Classy Chloe when she was clearly headed inside the last 200 metres but she fought back tenaciously to beat You Tell Me by a short half head.
“She doesn’t know much but a little competition with the other horse got the best out of her,” Knobel said.
Knobel has ridden about 120 winners in four years of race riding and his 20th city success reduces his city claim from 3kg to 2kg.
He is scheduled to finish his apprenticeship at the end of June but has the option of extending it 12 months because of the time he has had off with various injuries.
