Jockey Daniel Stackhouse will be crowned Victoria’s leading jockey at season’s end after scoring on Spirit Of Nurai at Sandown.
The victory on the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr -trained filly in the Become An MRC Member Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday was win number 123 for Stackhouse Victoria wide this season.
The victory put Stackhouse one win clear of the suspended John Allen who is set to holiday in Las Vegas ahead of his upcoming wedding.
Allen was suspended for a month after being found guilty of careless riding which saw Linda Meech fall at Flemington last month.
Stackhouse said he had had his heart set on claiming the Victorian Jockeys’ Premiership.
“It is something I have wanted to achieve for the last few months and it’s something for my CV,” Stackhouse said.
“It’s just unfortunate that Johnny has been suspended and I’ve been able to keep riding, but I’ve copped a little suspension as well.
“So, it’s nice to be in front with only a few weeks to go.”
Stackhouse was suspended at Werribee last Sunday for failing to a mount out to the line.
His seven-meeting suspension will start after the Flemington meeting on Saturday.
Price complimented Stackhouse on his win aboard Spirit Of Nurai who was having her second race start after a debut placing at Donald last month.
“She just had enough petrol for today as she’s off to the paddock now,” Price, who is also a part-owner of Spirit Of Nurai, said.
“She’s been a filly that has been very quiet and nice, but I took a punt on today.
“I thought if she had won at Donald, where do you place her, so why go to a maiden.
“If I had of won at Donald, I would have come to this race.
“That’s what I do optimistically, but it set up nicely and Stackhouse rode her well.”
