By Tony Megahey
This particular Jett quipped he’s “flying” since joining Annabel Neasham’s multiple Group One-winning stable and with the momentum of riding a winner into the Nowra TAB meeting on Easter Sunday.
Apprentice Jett Stanley that is - the widely travelled and talented 18-year-old son of 1996 Caulfield Cup-winning jockey Brent Stanley on Arctic Scent.
And those circumstances again demonstrate how deep and long the mateship and loyalty extends in the racing fraternity.
Apprentice Jett Stanley. Image by Western Racepix
“Gerald Ryan was kind enough to put me on my first winner up here at Hawkesbury, dad rode Arctic Scent for Gerald, they go back a very long way,” explained Jett who has four rides at Nowra.
At Hawkesbury two weeks ago, Bite Your Tongue was Jett’s initial winner since transferring indentures to Neasham from Mitch Beer in Albury.
There he rode 33 winners in the season since a lengthy and highly successful stint in Western Australia. Jett has ridden 73 winners in just two seasons.
“I didn’t want to go over to WA so far from family, I’d hoped to be apprenticed to Dad, but Victorian Racing knocked me back because they said I was too tall at 5ft 11 in, but I can ride at 50kg,” Jett explained.
“So disappointing for Dad and I, but it turned out giving me a decent kick start because over there I rode for the leading Williams stable and numerous winners although I did get injured.
“But I was happy to come back closer to home at Albury, Dad’s stables are at Bendigo.”
Brent helped Jett settle in at Warwick Farm when he was in Sydney for the Inglis Sales.
“I’m proud of him, Jett could have been lost to the industry like other kids they’ve knocked back; he rides well and loves what he does,” Brent offered.
“Gerald rang me after his Hawkesbury winner, we’re long-time mates, I stay at Gerald’s whenever I’m in Sydney.
“Jett’s got a great opportunity with Annabel Neasham and her quality of horses, just a lovely lady and can certainly train a racehorse.”
At Nowra, Jett rides the Neasham-trained Tot of Rum in the Stroud Homes Maiden (1400m).
“I rode it when placed at Mudgee, unlucky caught on the worst part of the going and probably should have won. And it’ Kembla placing was in a stronger maiden. Yep, good chance in it’s right race.”
In the final races, Jet rides Spellz and Knickpoint for Richard Litt a Warwick Farm neighbour of Neasham.
“Both have drawn in and winners at the track is certainly in their favour and the 65kg for Knickpoint before my claim tells you he’s the best horse in the race.”
At present Nowra is a Soft 6 in overcast weather.
View the final fields with full form & race replays for Nowra here