Wiggins has eyes on Lightning prize

By Jordan Gerrans

The Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival for 2023 does not officially commence until next Friday at Rockhampton but there will be a perfect entrée for the upcoming rich period at Mackay on Saturday.

The $35,000 Mackay Lightning headlines the eight-event program from the Ooralea track, which acts as a key lead-in race to the Mackay Newmarket later in the carnival.

The leading provincial level jockey in the Sunshine State – Ryan Wiggins – has picked up the top ride of Leadership Spill in the Mackay Lightning, which will be contested as an Open Handicap over 1000 metres.

Leadership Spill is resuming on Saturday after not finishing outside of the money in six starts last preparation, which included two victories.

Prepared by Tim Cook at Callaghan Park, Leadership Spill should certainly be ready for his return assignment after two recent public trials.

Wiggins’ Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival of last year included a Cleveland Bay Handicap triumph at Cluden Park and he is eager to kick-off this year's campaign at Mackay on Saturday. 

“It is a ride I am excited about, obviously he was in good form last prep and won a few races,” Wiggins said of Leadership Spill. 

“I have never actually sat on his back before now so I am looking forward to getting on him at the races and I think he is right in this race.”

The Mackay Lightning for 2023 has attracted a strong field, according to Mackay Turf Club president John Philps.

Mackay’s feature races for the carnival will be staged over two weekends, beginning with the $75,000 Mackay Newmarket Handicap over 1300 metres on Friday, July 14.

The following Saturday, the $150,000 Mackay Cup will be run over 2000 metres, along with the Magic Millions Whitsunday Guineas over 1560 metres.

“The Lightning Handicap is our traditional lead-up race to the Newmarket Handicap later in July,” Philps said.

“We have a full field there with horses trying to qualify for the Newmarket.

“The carnival period in Mackay is always eagerly awaited in Mackay as trainers prime their horses for the events with additional prize money put on offer from Racing Queensland and the sponsors.

“The best jockeys and horses come up to the area to fight it out for the spoils.”

After riding 95 winners last campaign, Wiggins is enjoying a career best season in 2022-23, registering 128 victories so far.

The 40-year-old's career best tally was 108 in the 2020-21 term before the current season.

He has a strong book of six engagements on Saturday in the ‘Sugar City’ headlined by Cook’s gelding Leadership Spill.

“Tim goes good and has a good record here at Mackay,” Wiggins said.

“Obviously the horse has been racing well last prep and hopefully he can bring that record back first-up this week.”

It is a busy period for Wiggins ahead of the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, riding at Mackay on Saturday, Kilcoy on Sunday before heading back north to Townsville for a Tuesday program.