Prebble revved up to make an impact
BRETT Prebble made a habit of winning feature Queensland races around the turn of the century and today at Doomben, he winds back the clock to ride in the state for the first time in 15 years.
He shares the Victorian colours with Luke Nolen, who returns to defend the Origin Jockey Series crown he won last year with Clare Lindop, who returns this year as the series ambassador.
A Melbourne Cup winner on Green Moon in 2012, Prebble rode more than 800 winners in Hong Kong during
a decade and a half in that country, before returning to Australia this season.
Prior to Hong Kong, he was a regular visitor in Queensland, winning the 2001 Derby on De Gaulle
Lane and in 2002 the big twoyear-old Sires-TJ Smith (now JJ Atkins) double on Chautauqua’s mum Lovely Jubly.
“I used to come (to Queensland) most seasons. I would have done seven or eight carnivals and had good success up here,” he said.
Now back in Australia, Prebble is keen to remind trainers of his capabilities.
“Hong Kong was a big part of my life for a long time,” he said. “It was my home for many years.
“It’s taken a while to adjust back to the Australian lifestyle. I’m starting to get more comfortable now.
“I want to establish myself back in Australia and a lot of people still don’t realise I’m back.
Prebble and his fellow Origin jockeys revved around the Slideways Go Kart track in Brisbane yesterday in a warm-up for the turf competition over the next two days.
Queensland’s Matt McGillivray won the time trial from Dwayne Dunn (South Australia), with Corey Brown (NSW) third.
Brown said some of the tactics employed on the carts would have tested the rules of racing.
“I reckon this was just as competitive, if not more competitive (than race riding),” the dual Melbourne Cupwinning jockey said.
“There are no stewards out there to be pulling you up on things.”