Talented apprentice Zac Lloyd returns from suspension at Randwick on Saturday where you would expect him to be super keen to resume his chase for the coveted Sydney Apprentice Jockey’s Premiership in which, after leading for some time, he now trails Dylan Gibbons by five winners.
A full book of rides and the fact that Gibbons will be away serving a suspension of his own, has really opened the door for Lloyd in make instant and significant inroads into Gibbons’ lead, particularly with the solid support he continues to receive from his home stable of James Cummings and Godolphin and the likes of the powerful Maher-Eustace training partnership, Michael Freedman and Chris Waller, amongst others.
In fact, it could well be a big day out for the young rider.
Clearly, the answer to the question … where to now for Zac Lloyd … should be onwards and upwards as his lofty position on the overall Sydney Jockey’s Premiership (he sists in third place) and his battle for the Sydney Apprentice Jockey’s Premiership underlines two of his most valuable riding traits … talent and tenacity.
But …
Lloyd’s growing record in terms of suspensions … which have injected a regular stop/start element into his season … has almost been getting as much news coverage as his success and, even if the general tone of that coverage is tempered with general support and understanding of his situation, his regular visits to the stewards room really is something that Lloyd needs to avoid moving forward … and the onus to do that is firmly on him.
Yes, he is a very young apprentice finding his way in a testing profession and of course nobody expects him to be anywhere near the finished product … who is … but, with the technology available these days via race replays from which every error can be processed and assessed as a means to eliminating repeat indiscretions, he has got to do better.
It is all very well saying he is in the best hands being apprenticed to James Cummings at Godolphin … being mentored by his father, the multiple Group 1 winning jockey Jeff Lloyd … having access to advice from the likes of past, well respected jockeys working within the NSW apprentice training system such … as well as being able to tap into the experience of those highly experienced senior jockeys involved the Sydney jockey’s room … but Lloyd has been committing his raft of offences while in those good hands.
It must be taken on trust that the advice and mentoring Lloyd has received has been of the highest order. If that is true, the problem has seemingly been in not applying that advice on too many occasions … which is a worry.because. long term, quick learners do best in this game.
While the results, Lloyd’s winning percentage and the positive taking of the riding opportunities presented to him by some of Sydney’s leading trainers, have illuminated the entries in the good side of the ledger and the sharp rise of Lloyd on the racing scene … his weak point, until now, has remained totally exposed.
There is nothing that can’t be corrected, but the concern is that when you establish bad habits and the longer you go without addressing them, the harder it is to bring them back into line.
In this tough game, respect has to be earned. Being personable, talented and getting results is a great beginning, but it is the discipline in the way a jockey tackles his race rides in general that commands ultimate respect.
Sydney’s Chief Steward Steve Railton underscored that sentiment when he handing down Lloyd’s last suspension.
“It doesn’t give us any joy having to suspend you because we know you’re going to learn more riding than sitting on the sidelines,” Railton told Lloyd. “As you understand we have a role to play and it’s all about safety. You just need to be more careful.”
Many would like to to see Lloyd succeed and take his undeniable talent to the very top
He is well placed to do just that … he just has to rub out being rubbed out and he will be well-and-truly flying … without the turbulence that has troubled him so much in the past.
The hope is that phase of his career is behind him now … and a new one will begin on Saturday!
