Kerrin McEvoy eyes Origin glory at Eagle Farm

KERRIN McEvoy, the star act in week one of this year’s Origin jockey series, is hoping his loyal fans back in his old stomping ground will have more to cheer about on Saturday.

Kerrin McEvoy. Picture: Mark Evans

KERRIN McEvoy, the star act in week one of this year’s Origin jockey series, is hoping his loyal fans back in his old stomping ground will have more to cheer about on Saturday.

McEvoy is much loved in his home state of South Australia, in particular in his former nurturing ground of Streaky Bay.

“They were pretty pleased again this year when I won another (Melbourne) Cup. They tell me the local TAB didn’t have enough money to pay out,” he said.

McEvoy described the series as a good initiative and believes it has the scope to become bigger each year.

Kerrin McEvoy is a big fan of the Origin Jockeys Series. Picture: Mark Evans

“It’s gathering some nice momentum,” he told Radio TAB on Wednesday. “It’s been spoken of in the jockeys’ room a bit and I’m pretty pleased to get the call up to represent South Australia with Dom Tourneur this weekend.

“It’s going to be a great challenge.”

McEvoy’s presence has been welcomed by trainers, who have booked him for six other rides, in addition to his two Origin mounts Game Pie and Invitations.

He will ride Ravi for Team Snowden in the Just Now and has also picked up the mount on Candika in the Mode Plate, with Paul Hammersley being suspended.

Originally published as Kerrin McEvoy eyes Origin glory at Eagle Farm