Latest News

By Tony Megahey

Comeback jockey and former outstanding regional trainer Kody Nestor continues a remarkable resurgence this season from long-term injury at Sunday’s Coonabarabran Showcase Cup TAB meeting.

Nestor, now based at Dubbo from Warner’s Bay, rides Smooth Esprit ($11 on TAB) with 57kg in the Imperial Hotel-sponsored $75,000 Cup (1600m) feature and each-way chances Hit the Rim ($11) in race four and Shipshape ($8.50) in the final event.

Smooth Esprit (Kerrin McEvoy) lands the cash at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

Kody was off the tracks for over a year after fracturing two vertebrae in the neck but his return to riding was a career highlight when he won last month’s Dubbo Gold Cup on Sneak Preview.

He scored on the horse for his uncle Peter Nestor to land a long-priced plunge from $101 opening price.

“Lifetime memory, I bought Sneak Preview as a two-year-old from Gooree Park and he wins at Dubbo with me at nine years old,” enthused Kody.

“Great thrill for a few veterans and good mates and he did win a Country Championships qualifier at Coonamble in 2020 - old marvel.”

So being wider in the market is no deterrent for Kody, especially as performed Smooth Esprit is trained by young Clint Lundholm.

“I often ride him work, the other morning he went the best he has this preparation and can run really well off it.”

He’s eight but well-bred, always had good ability, maybe with some old issues.

“But he’s been in some strong races and competitive in town. Three runs back, race fit and out to his best distance range.

“Clint’s invariably run well and drawn in is a bonus. Hit the Rim always runs well and hasn’t been far away in recent starts.”

Shipshape for Walgett’s Richard Jackson has 59kg with Kody in the final event.

“I know him, ridden him in a trial, if he can find his best he can run a race - he did run third early season in the Wellington Town Plate.

“He’s fitter for one run from a spell and a trial, the wide gate the issue but he can race forward.”

Before taking time out Nestor trained 107 winners through the 2018 to 2021 seasons from 673 starters, at an impressive 15% winning strike rate.

At present Coonabarabran is a Soft 5 in fine weather.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Coonabarabran here