Bishop flying after Darwin victory

JOCKEY Krystal Bishop barely had time to celebrate getting a win in her first race at Fannie Bay yesterday – she had to board a plane for Port Augusta last night for today’s meeting.

That doesn’t mean the 24year-old was not delighted to take out the $17,500 Pace Insurance Brokers Class 2 Handicap (1000m) on Little Jay Jay by almost 2½ lengths over Greg Connor’s Grande Castagno, ridden by Stephen Ridler.

“Absolutely stoked,” Bishop said.

“There was a lot of speed in the race. My horse isn’t really a speedy type, so I sat comfortable just off the field.

“He was always going to be a strong finisher, so I never panicked.”

The former Dux of the SA Apprentice Academy, who rides for Nicole Bruggemann in South Australia, will have a well-earned rest tonight.

“It turns out I didn’t have any rides in Morphettville, so I was just riding here (yesterday),” she said.

“Then I fly out overnight to ride at Port Augusta in South Australia (today).

“Maybe I might be able to come to more meetings up here in the future. I love Darwin. The people are great, the atmosphere is really good.”

Meanwhile, Darwin trainer Chris Pollard oversaw two winners at Broome in Western Australia.

Four-year-old gelding Jolly Boy, ridden by Peter Farrell, took out the race-two handicap over 1200m, by half a length over John Gangemi’s Festive Excess.

Howdy (ridden by Ben Paterson) then had a one-length victory over Darryn Pateman’s Woven in the next race over the same distance.