‘I’m back’: Jockey Luke Tarrant snares first winner since returning from six-month suspension

FORMER champion apprentice Luke Tarrant has quickly rediscovered his winning groove, notching a comeback win on Airlie Reward at Caloundra on Wednesday.

Luke Tarrant, left, returned to the winners’ circle after steering Airlie Reward to victory at Caloundra on Wednesday.

FORMER champion apprentice Luke Tarrant has quickly rediscovered his winning groove, notching a comeback win on Airlie Reward at Caloundra on Wednesday.

It was Tarrant’s fourth ride back from a six-month drug suspension and he did it for Troy Hall, who together with Helen Page was the first trainer to give him a ride at his comeback.

Tarrant finished fifth for Hall on Rosella last Sunday, having run second on Page’s Excalibrator on his return at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Airlie Reward was Tarrant’s first winner since December.

Tarrant, who was a runaway winner of the 2014-15 apprentice of the year title, said he was only going to get better as his fitness improved.

“I’ve only been back since last Monday but I’m riding 10 horses a day in trackwork and I’m feeling surprisingly good,” he said. “Hopefully it won’t be my last winner. I’m back.”

Luke Tarrant is relishing being back in the saddle. Picture: Jono Searle.

â–  NEW Rockhampton Jockey Club chief executive Tony Fenlon is keen to work with other northern clubs to ensure the region maintains relevance at a state level.

“I would like to think clubs like Rocky, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns can work together, rather than going to Racing Queensland one out,” said Fenlon, who starts on Monday. “I believe we will be a lot stronger if we go as a combined force on issues like prizemoney and race dates.’’

Fenlon and his family have a proud history with some of the region’s iconic hotels and he hopes to put the skills gained in the hospitality industry to good use. “It’s a people’s game and I do believe those skills will come to the fore in this industry,” he said.

â–  STAR filly Yankee Rose has been cleared of injury and will trial at the Sunshine Coast or Deagon on Tuesday.

David Vandyke raised concerns when he reported the Group 1 winner galloped poorly on Tuesday morning, but X-rays taken on Wednesday cleared her of any structural damage.

Yankee Rose is scheduled to resume next month in the Golden Rose, a race in which she has been a notable drifter in the past fortnight.

Originally published as ‘I’m back’: Jockey Luke Tarrant snares first winner since returning from six-month suspension