Apprentice takes a shot at the city life
HAVING twisted the arm of Bruce Hill for the past year, talented Gold Coast apprentice Jag Guthmann-Chester is keen to repay his master’s faith and prove himself on the metropolitan racing scene.
Keen judges have been singing the praises of the 18year-old for some time.
He won the Gold Coast apprentices title last season and finished second to Dan Griffin in the overall standings. With a dearth of 3kg claimers in the city, the time is right for Guthmann-Chester and he made a top first impression at Wednesday’s Caloundra metro meeting with a winning double. He has a golden opportunity to build on that momentum with some key rides at Doomben tomorrow.
“It felt pretty good to ride a double,” he said.
“You want that to happen at the start of the season and I’m hoping it will lead to getting me some more rides.
“I definitely notice the difference in metropolitan races. There’s more atmosphere and a bigger buzz on Saturdays in town. I love it.”
Hill guided Tegan Harrison to the state’s champion apprentice title and he has taken a similar patient approach with Guthmann-Chester.
“He has been measured. He doesn’t rush to get you to the next level,” the young rider said.
“He made me wait a long time to get to the Gold Coast and when I was pushing him to get me to town, he made me wait longer.
“He was right. Going to the city now has timed in really well. There are not a lot of 3kg claimers, so I am hoping I can make the most of it.”
Guthmann-Chester had never ridden a horse when he entered Hill’s stables as a 15year-old. The opportunity arose after he told his grandfather that he “hated school” and wanted out after he finished Year 10. His grandfather made a few calls and soon had an interview lined up with Hill.
He started trackwork in April 2014, rode in his first jumpout by June of that year and had his first trial in December, before taking “ages” to get his quota of 25 trials up in order to secure his licence.
Guthmann-Chester made his riding debut at Gympie on August 22, 2015.