By Jordan Gerrans
Veteran Darling Downs conditioner John Thomas has lauded the work ethic of his loyal team of track work riders following the stable’s remarkable strike rate in recent months.
The 72-year-old Toowoomba trainer and his small team of gallopers have enjoyed a purple patch in form dating back to the middle of December.
Thomas has put the polish on seven winners from his last 16 starters, which have come across all three levels of racing – city, provincial and on the bush circuit.
“They have been going well,” Thomas said.
The barn collected their second metropolitan victory for the year on Saturday when Tuhinga defied a betting drift to land the Benchmark 75 Handicap from Doomben over a mile.
Thomas – who has held a licence for almost half a century – believes his loyal team of track work riders have led to the strong run of results for the stable.
Apprentice hoop Jade Metcalfe, Rosemary Sherwood and Casey Kowaltzke have all played their part, Thomas says.
“I am very happy with the track work riders that I have now and have had since the middle of October last year until now,” the veteran trainer said.
“My horses have been worked really well by good, reliable track work riders.
“I would really like to stress that as these girls turn up every morning without fail. It is good when you have got good track work riders – it makes a big difference. It means a lot.”