Magic Millions winners Luke Tarrant and trainer Darryl Hansen join forces again on Gold Coast

THE old team will come back together when apprentice jockey Luke Tarrant and trainer Darryl Hansen join forces on the Gold Coast today.

Luke Tarrant during his winning ride on Le Chef at the 2015 Magic Millions. Picture: Luke Marsden.

THE Magic Millions-winning team of jockey Luke Tarrant and trainer Darryl Hansen will join forces at the Gold Coast today as the former champion apprentice’s return to riding hits top gear.

Tarrant will have seven rides on an eight-race Coast program including mounts for leading trainers Les Ross, Kelly Schweida, Stuart Kend­rick and Bryan Guy.

It is a quick return to a busy schedule for Tarrant who had his first race back from a troubled eight months last weekend with one ride on the Gold Coast.

He had one ride at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday before four rides at the same track on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old was banned from riding by stewards for six months in December after testing positive to a cocaine derivative.

It is his ride on Don’t Rush Me in the Dagger 373 Handicap (1400m) where Tarrant will realign with fellow Sunshine Coast-based racing identity Hansen.

The pair combined for their biggest career win when Le Chef won the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic in 2015.

Hansen thinks the 1400m of today’s race will suit Don’t Rush Me who finished fourth at his last start over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast.

“He had his first run back at the Sunshine Coast and it has definitely done him the world of good,” Hansen said.

“He will be suited to the 1400m and should go all right. He has drawn favourably with Luke Tarrant in the saddle so I think he will run a nice race.

“It’s good to see Luke back. He needs to get back in action so I’ll give him a lot more ­opportunities.”