‘He can’t jump over them’: Glen Boss, Malcolm Johnston leap to Kerrin McEvoy’s defence after criticism of Via Sistina, Joliestar rides

Hall of Fame jockeys Glen Boss and Malcolm Johnston believe Kerrin McEvoy has been unfairly made a scapegoat for Via Sistina and Joliestar’s defeats at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy copped plenty of criticism from punters on Saturday for his rides on Joliestar (top right) and Via Sistina (bottom right). Pictures: Getty Images

Hall of Fame jockeys Glen Boss and Malcolm Johnston have leapt to the defence of Kerrin McEvoy after he came under fire for his losing rides on Via Sistina and Joliestar at Royal Randwick last Saturday.

Via Sistina, arguably the nation’s best racehorse, was the $2.10 favourite and ran on strongly late to finish third behind Fangirl in the Apollo Stakes.

Joliestar was a dominant $2.05 favourite but had to endure a three-wide run in the six-horse Expressway Stakes field before her close third to Magic Time.

McEvoy has been heavily criticised, particularly on social media, for those defeats.

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Boss and Johnston are aware detractors will accuse them of “sticking up for their mate” but they are adamant both mares were beaten by better horses on the day.

“Via Sistina had every chance, I thought,’’ Boss said.

“Fangirl has the most superior turn of foot of any horse in Australia in races over 1400m and 1600m.

“When Fangirl is on, there is not a horse that can match her final 600m. Via Sistina ran well but Fangirl was electric on Saturday.’’

Former top jockeys Glen Boss (left) and Malcolm Johnston. Pictures: File

• Big Bets Review: $94,000 result for punter in Expressway Stakes

Boss also felt the criticism of McEvoy’s ride on Joliestar was unwarranted.

“Joliestar jumped well and Kerrin chanced his arm in the first bit but it didn’t work out for him,’’ Boss said.

“If he ends up in the one-one everyone says what a great ride but they absolutely walked early. Then, the way Magic Time finished the race off, I don’t think Joliestar would have beaten her anyway.’’

Boss said “everyone is an expert in hindsight” and maintained it was unfair to make McEvoy the scapegoat for both defeats.

“For those critical of Kerrin, I’d like to see their statistics over 12 months, see how many winners they back and how many mistakes they make,’’ he said.

“I’m sure they get it wrong, too. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.’’

Johnston believed McEvoy was a “victim of circumstances” in both losing rides.

We are fans!!!

Fangirl makes it back-to-back Apollo Stakes 🙌@cwallerracing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/a0XgcxkMs0

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 15, 2025

• Fangirl shows she’s still got it with second Apollo win

“If you watch the start of the Apollo Stakes closely, both Via Sistina and Fangirl miss the kick slightly,’’ Johnston said.

“Jason Collett on Fangirl was drawn immediately on the outside of ‘KMac’ and Via Sistina so of course he is going to push them over to the fence and try to keep them in a pocket.

“What was Kerrin supposed to do from there? He can’t jump over them.

“Via Sistina got on to Fangirl’s back at the 300m but Fangirl outsprinted her, simple as that.’’

Johnston said McEvoy didn’t want to ride Joliestar outside her usual pattern by going forward to lead or sit outside the leader.

“But they went very slow early and it sort of left Joliestar posted. I still feel she could have still won if good enough because she wasn’t working hard even though she was three wide,’’ Johnston said.

“It’s a bit like Fangirl’s race. I don’t think we are giving the winner enough credit – Magic Time went like a rocket over the last 200m.’’

🪄 Magic Time produces some wizardry to take out the G2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick!@JChilds47 | @Grahame_Begg | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/oRQfm1YSTL

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 15, 2025

• Plan B works like Magic in Expressway escape

McEvoy, who has ridden nearly 2300 winners including 84 at Group 1 level, has an opportunity to silence his knockers with some outstanding big-race rides at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

With James McDonald overseas to ride Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup, McEvoy takes over on boom colt Wodeton in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m).

The feature two-year-old race has attracted the top three in early Golden Slipper betting with Wodeton, Bel Merci and North England, plus the promising West Of Swindon.

McEvoy is also booked for the classy Linebacker in the Group 2 $400,000 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and promising mare Scarlet Oak in the Group 2 $300,000 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m).

Originally published as ‘He can’t jump over them’: Glen Boss, Malcolm Johnston leap to Kerrin McEvoy’s defence after criticism of Via Sistina, Joliestar rides