‘King’ Griffin plans next Coast reign
GOLD COAST
DAN Griffin is three wins from extending his Gold Coast jockeys premiership record to 10 in a feat he believes will never be matched.
The man dubbed the King of the Coast for his legendary career sits two wins behind current leader Ryan Plumb, who has 25 for the 2019-20 season.
But Plumb is injured and won’t be back before next season, opening the door for Griffin, 39, to make a late charge for the title with three meetings left.
“It’s not over until it’s over but I’ll be going hard,” Griffin said. “I don’t think anyone
JOCKEYS
Ryan Plumb .......................... 25 Dan Griffin ............................ 23 Anthony Allen ....................... 22 Allan Chau .............................. 21 Luke Dittman ......................... 17 Glen Colless ........................... 17 Jag Guthmann-Chester ......... 13 Ryan Maloney ....................... 12 Leah Kilner (a) ...................... 10 Baylee Nothdurft (a) ............ 10
Premiership figures don’t include results in zone period. There are three meetings left in season.
will ever do it again, that’s for sure.
“The turf club has been a great supporter of mine and although I don’t live on the Gold Coast, I still class it as my home track.”
TRAINERS
Toby & Trent Edmonds ........ 34 Les Kelly ................................ 25 Chris Waller ........................ 13 Tony Gollan ........................... 13 Michael Costa ........................ 12 Kelly Schweida ....................... 11 Gary Doughty ......................... 9 Gillian Heinrich ....................... 9 Scott Morrisey ........................ 9 John Smerdon ........................ 8
It’s uncertain if Griffin will be able to return to add to the impending record, with the hoop revealing he is due to have further surgery on his shoulder and potentially his knee post-season.
APPRENTICES
Leah Kilner ......................... 10 Baylee Nothdurft .............. 10 Jag Guthmann-Chester .......... 6 Sheriden Tomlinson ............... 5 Madeleine Wishart ................. 3 Stephanie Thornton ............... 3 Adin Thompson ...................... 3 Corey Bayliss .......................... 2 Minehiko Shimodaira ............. 2 Alex Patis ................................ 2
Griffin has had problems with both in the past and his shoulder dislocates nearly every time he rides.
“I don’t feel the pain through the race but it’s more when I finish the day, and by the time I get home and get out of the car. That is when I feel it.
“I’ll persevere. I have it set in my head to get to 10 and I’m putting everything else behind me.
“If surgery is successful, then I’ll be back.”
The Sunshine Coast resident’s bid to reach 10 Aquis Park premierships this season looked in doubt when Racing Queensland introduced zones that riders and trainers had to remain in during COVID-19 restrictions, but a recent relaxation has enabled him to return to the Gold Coast.
Griffin has eight rides booked in for today’s Gold Coast race meeting.