The Lloyd family almost had the perfect day out at Dalby yesterday, but even an unfortunate late twist in the tale couldn’t take the gloss off what will always be a memorable day for Jeff, Nicola, Jaden and Zac Lloyd.
Zac kicked off the day’s proceedings, scoring a win aboard Satine (for Team Edmonds) in his first professional ride in the first race on the card and Jaden then kept the Lloyd scoreboard moving by landed a quick double (aboard One More Pinot and Black Whitto – both for the Chris Munce stable).
After four races the Lloyd apprentice brothers already had three wins to their name and it was confidently expected that Zac would make the personal score between himself and Jaden two apiece when he went out on the favourite Palicki in the last.
Racing’s script is full of twists and turns though. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, how experienced or inexperienced, racing has a way of reminding you that it is not an easy game and the reminder this time came when Zac was dislodged from the favourite leaving the gates … not the ending that most had scripted.
Thankfully, Zac escaped any serious injury, but would have gone home a little bit sore, perhaps in more ways than one.
Earlier in the day he had spoken about his first ride-first winner result and how the day had panned out up until then.
“I had a good sleep-in this morning. I haven’t had a sleep-in for a while … I get up for work and I work thirteen days a fortnight so it was good to have the sleep-in,” said Zac.
“It was a long drive from the Gold Coast to Dalby. It was really good to come up with my whole family. It was quite a relaxed drive. Jaden and I had our headphones on, and we were just doing our own thing.
“I thought I would be a bit more nervous when I got to the track, but I was actually really comfortable, and I think the horse (Satine) felt that which was really good as well.
“She jumped a bit awkwardly, but I dug her up. I wanted to take all the bad luck out of the race and I tried to lead, but who was next to me in the first half of the race … my brother.
“When she came back to me around the turn, I knew I had a good horse under me and that when I’d ask her to quicken, she would quicken … and she did.
“I was over the moon when I went over the line. I gave her a good pat afterwards. I’ve worked Satine every day over the past month, so I have a good relationship with her. I am just so happy. Dad (manager Jeff Lloyd) Mr Edmonds and Trent all decided to give me this horse as my first ride and she was the perfect horse for it.
“Words can’t describe the feeling.
“Dad rides work for Mr Edmonds and Trent as well. Working with him is great. I learn a lot with having him involved. I think he is more happy than me today.”
Zac Lloyd wasn’t kidding.
Jeff Lloyd was beaming.
“Look, honestly, during the drive up here I was just trying to keep calm myself,” said Jeff Lloyd, also speaking before the last race fall.. “I think there was a lot of pressure … not for me, but for them (Jaden and Zac).
“You know, they are brothers and they are competing against each other and you just hope they walk away happy with their performances.
“For Zac to win his first race and for Jaden to ride a double, I couldn’t wish for a better outcome. Zac did wonderfully and Jaden, I thought, showed a lot of maturity with his second winner. He learnt from the ride on his first winner and rode very well.
“I am really proud of them,” concluded Jeff.
For his part, Jaden Lloyd was happy with the overall outcome of the day. The double he notched up was his first and second winner in Queensland.
“It was a bit of an up and down day now,” said Jaden, speaking after the last race. “Hopefully Zac is alright (which he was). Just thankful he was not seriously injured.
“It was so good for him to get his first win. It was very exciting … and obviously I was very happy with my two wins.”
Not quite the perfect day … maybe … but in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t get much better!
