Dylan opening his own doors as he shakes expectation associated with being Dwayne Dunn’s son

DYLAN Dunn struck the first blow for South Australia in this year’s Origin Jockey Series when he rode his first Queensland winner on Saturday.

Dylan Dunn rode his first Queensland winner aboard Binnalong Road on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

IMPRESSIVE apprentice Dylan Dunn struck the first blow for South Australia in this year’s Origin Jockey Series when he rode his first Queensland winner on Binnalong Road on Saturday.

It was a day of firsts at Doomben, with Western Australia’s Brad Parnham also breaking through for his maiden sunshine state win on Sir Donald in the earlier jockey series race.

Dunn started his career in South Australia before moving to Victoria, where he now rides regularly against his Scobie Breasley Medal-winning father Dwayne.

“I don’t live with Dad, but we are a very close family and we bounce a lot of ideas off each other,” Dunn said.

“People say being the son of someone like Dad is a big help and that is true, because it does open doors, but it also brings with it the expectation you will be just as good as him.

“That can be hard to live up to. If I could become three quarters as good as my father, then I will be a very good rider.”

Dunn said his biggest challenge at the moment is his weight, where he usually restricts himself to rides down to only 56kg, although he said for a Group 1 he could stretch to 55kg.

The 21-year-old has 14 months to run on his apprenticeship and his immediate goal is to ride another 24 metropolitan winners to out-ride his claim.

Dwayne reached the pinnacle of Queensland racing in the winter when he won the Stradbroke on Under The Louvre.

Dynamic duo: Dylan and father Dwayne Dunn (right) inspect the turf on the course proper on Caulfield Cup Day. Picture: Getty Images

His son very nearly made the perfect start in this state when he was nosed out on Rock On Ivy earlier in the day and his big salute aboard Binnalong Road showed how pleased he was to atone.

“It’s a huge thrill,” he said. “I think the organisers deserve a lot of credit for this series. It’s great to be a part of it as a jockey, but it also brings extra attention to the racing here, which is a good thing too.”

Dunn is pencilled in to team with Dom Tourneur when the series concludes at the Gold Coast on January 7.

Parnham, who later completed a winning Doomben double, also intends to ride at the Gold Coast that day, even though the WA team will be represented by his brother Chris and Damien Oliver.

“We’ve really enjoyed being a part of it and I’ve decided I will probably come over again that day and chase a few rides, even though I won’t be part of the Origin that day,” he said.

Dylan Dunn has 14 months to run on his apprenticeship and his immediate goal is to ride another 24 metropolitan winners to out-ride his claim. Picture: Colleen Petch

EF in-field set for April opening

WORK has recommenced on the Eagle Farm in-field stabling complex, with trainers told they will likely be able to move into the new premises by April next year.

Work had been stopped on the project since the tragic death of two workers in October, as two independent safety checks were carried out.

Brisbane Racing Club chief executive Dave Whimpey said the club wanted to make certain all appropriate safety measures were in placed before work recommenced on the site.

Before the October tragedy, the club was working towards a January tenancy arrangement with trainers.

“We are still waiting on a firm position from Criscon regarding a completion date, but we are hopeful we can have trainers moving in by late March or early April,” BRC chief executive Dave Whimpey said.

There had been talk previously that a small number of trainers may move into their new stables early, as work continues on the residential complex, but Whimpey said that scenario is now unlikely.

“It’s not in anyone’s interests to have a racing stable on a work site,” Whimpey said.

“We accept it hasn’t been ideal for anyone. We had to move Kelly Schweida and the situation with Rob Heathcote having work on his doorstep is frustrating as well.

“We do appreciate and understand the frustration of trainers. Thankfully, we are nearly there and they will have world class stables to move into in a few months in what we regard as an industry infrastructure project.”

MONDAY MAIL

RIDE OF THE DAY

Damian Browne, L’Entrecote, Doomben, Race 8: Was dealt no favours with the draw again, but found a nice settling spot and then just kept working his way into the race and was in the right spot to make his winning move in the straight.

THREE TO BACK

Siegfried, Doomben, Race 6: “They knew” as the saying goes. Heavily backed, he brushed off a 651 day losing drought and returned with a bang here, despite having trouble getting a run early in the straight. Should put a few more wins on the board now.

Havasay, Doomben, Race 6: Had no hope off the wide gate, with 1-2-3 around the turn running the trifecta. His finishing burst was outstanding. Back to Eagle Farm and a shade further now. He’s flying.

Pioneering, Rosehill, Race 9: Just got tired and was swamped late resuming here. She has her limits, but is well placed at this time of year.

THREE TO SACK

Sir Plush, Rosehill, Race 8: Has been a superb horse for bookies over the past couple of months. Punters keep buttering up and he keeps going under.

Stella Ombra, Doomben, Race 6: Had no hope the way the race was run, but others back in the field did better. Has had a successful prep, but may have had enough now.

Sheiswhatsheis, Doomben, Race 7: Admittedly, didn’t have the kindest run, but keeps coming up in the market and hasn’t found the line for a long time.

Madeenaty has drifted slightly in betting after her unconvincing Wyong MM Classic win. Picture: Ian Currie

MARKETS

MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC

Gold Coast, January 14

$7 Ours To Keep

$8 Madeenaty

$9 Invincible Star, Single Bullet, Houtzen, Dinnigan

$10 Debonairly

$12 Chauffeur, Falconic

$16 From Within, Hualalai

$17 Champ Elect

$19 Invader

$21+ Others

MAGIC MILLIONS GUINEAS

Gold Coast, January 14

$2 Winning Rupert

$4.20 Global Glamour

$10 Speedeor

$14 Mediterranean, Niccolance

$16 Miss Wonderland

$17 Billy The Kid, Candika, Dam Ready, Eckstein

$26+ Others

THIS WEEK

Tuesday: Murwillumbah, Orange, Stony Creek, Warrnambool, Port Lincoln, Geraldton

Wednesday: Eagle Farm, Warwick Farm, Mornington, Strathalbyn, Bunbury

Thursday: Mackay, Gosford, Canberra, Yarra Valley

Friday: Ipswich, Coffs Harbour, Corowa, Bairnsdale, Cranbourne

Saturday: Eagle Farm, Canterbury, Moonee Valley, Morphettville, Ascot, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Gosford, Nowra, Echuca, Esperance, Darwin

Sunday: Flemington, Sunshine Coast, Gilgandra, Inverell, Hanging Rock, Mornington, Murray Bridge, Bunbury, Longford

THE TALKING POINT

Magic Millions contenders. No doubt a new record mark is going to be set to qualify for the 2YO Classic this season. It is already well over $40,000, with another couple of weeks to run. No longer does the single Brisbane metro win guarantee runners a start.

THE QUOTE

“She was under double wraps in the jumpout. If it was Winx they would have written up and said she was unbeatable.”

— Bruce Brown revealed he was confident of success with Khaleesi after she took care of some handy rivals in a jumpout earlier in the week.

Originally published as Dylan opening his own doors as he shakes expectation associated with being Dwayne Dunn’s son