Post-race jockey reports from the 2025 TJ Smith Stakes

This is what the jockeys had to say after the running of the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.

Tyler Schiller salutes to the crowd after guiding Briasa to victory in the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Hawkes Racing won three TJ Smith Stakes with the great Chautauqua and now they have one with another grey after emerging star Briasa produced a brilliant display to land the Group 1 feature at Randwick on Saturday.

Ridden by Tyler Schiller, Briasa took his record to seven wins from nine starts in the sprint showpiece, running down a gallant Overpass in the latter stages of the 1200 metre trip.

In a blanket finish behind the top two, Headwall continued his grand recent form to finish third at big odds, just ahead of Jimmysstar which made up solid ground for fourth.

Race favourite Joliestar was never a factor.

Briasa is brilliant in the G1 T J Smith Stakes! He makes it 7 wins from just 9 starts as he races away for @HawkesRacing and @G1TySchil! 💨@aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/ee1N0fCLm4

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025

Following his TJ Smith heroics, Briasa firmed into $6 for The Everest in October, where securing a slot now seems all but a formality.

This is what the riders thought of their mount’s performance in the TJ Smith Stakes.

1st – BRIASA (Tyler Schiller) It makes a difference when you draw a barrier and he’s probably one missing first-up but second-up it’s great to get a barrier, Randwick is more forgiving, and he’s just a very good horse. The Hawkes team have maintained him perfectly, they know how to win this race, especially with a grey, I still don’t know his ceiling but he’s got oodles of talent.

2nd – OVERPASS (Joshua Parr) He was gallant in defeat. A huge effort by him. He has led the field up. I take his victories and his defeats quite personally. I’m very attached to this horse.

3rd – HEADWALL (Zac Lloyd) He has gone enormous. He is a very good horse. A turn of foot that can win Group 1s. I was a bit stiff at the top of the straight. When he got out he really quickened. Hopefully he gets a run in the Quokka.

4th – JIMMYSSTAR (Ethan Brown) Good effort. He gave away a bit of a start. Stuck his head down as the Starter said clear. He ran really well. Maybe looking for 1400m now.

5th – KIMOCHI (Nash Rawiller) She was brilliant. Didn’t have the best of luck from the gate. Got into a lovely rhythm. A little outsprinted when the pace came on before we straightened. Very taken by the last 100m again. Very strong again. Confident going to 1400m.

6th – MAGIC TIME (Jordan Childs) Very happy. She ran well. Had a nice run behind the leaders. Thought I was the winner at one point. Probably too sharp over the 1200m. 1400m in two weeks’ time up her alley.

7th – SWITZERLAND (Ryan Moore) He ran a respectable race. Kept going well. Never lost any ground.

8th – SUNSHINE IN PARIS (Chad Schofield) Good effort. Hopefully she draws a gate in the All Aged.

9th – JOLIESTAR (Damian Lane) Unfortunately I didn’t step very clean today and I was dictated too straight away back on the rail. My only option was to go in where nobody has wanted to be. Things just didn’t work for her today.

10th – JEDIBEEL (Craig Williams) Got into a lovely spot from an awkward draw. Dashed and accelerated as well as any if not better than most. Just not as big and strong for the duration for the run he had. Acquitted himself well under the circumstances.

11th – I AM ME (Tim Clark) I thought she was in a nice spot considering the tempo of the race. Just struggled against those elite sprinters.

12th – TRAFFIC WARDEN (Blake Shinn) Beautiful horse. Just beaten by the tempo. He ran well.

13th – SHEZANALISTER (Rachel King) Massively up in grade but didn’t disgrace herself.

Originally published as Post-race jockey reports from the 2025 TJ Smith Stakes