Jockey Daniel StackhouseĀ will be crowned Victoria’s leading jockey at season’s end after scoring on Spirit Of NuraiĀ at Sandown.
The victory on the Mick Price and Michael Kent JnrĀ -trained filly in the BecomeĀ AnĀ MRC Member Handicap (1300m) on Wednesday was win number 123Ā for Stackhouse Victoria wide this season.
The victory put Stackhouse one win clear of the suspended John AllenĀ 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’sĀ just unfortunate that Johnny has been suspended andĀ I’veĀ been able to keep riding, butĀ I’veĀ copped a little suspension as well.
“So,Ā it’sĀ 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 SpiritĀ OfĀ Nurai who was having her second race start after a debut placing at Donald last month.
“She just had enough petrol for today asĀ she’sĀ off to the paddock now,” Price, who is also a part-owner of SpiritĀ OfĀ Nurai, said.
“She’sĀ been a filly that has beenĀ very quietĀ 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’sĀ what I do optimistically, but it set up nicely and Stackhouse rode her well.”
