Tyndall eyes happier times

NO DOUBT 2013 was a very sad year for Darwin racing following the passing of Simone Montgomerie, but just like everyone else associated with the sport of kings in the Top End, jockey Melanie Tyndall is looking forward to the New Year.

Melanie Tyndall

NO DOUBT 2013 was a very sad year for Darwin racing following the passing of Simone Montgomerie, but just like everyone else associated with the sport of kings in the Top End, jockey Melanie Tyndall is looking forward to the New Year.

Formerly of Adelaide, the 26-year-old has a ride in each of the six races scheduled for today at Fannie Bay.

The No. 1 rider for David Jupp, Tyndall has three rides for the stable - Battle Ready, Kirkham and African Prince.

In the opening race on the program she will accompany Cooper's Shout and then Enchanted Boy in race three from the David Bates stable before joining forces aboard De Souba Star in the final event for trainer Dick Leech.

It's unlikely that Tyndall will ride six winners this afternoon, however she believes Cooper's Shout, Battle Ready and Enchanted Boy are decent hopes.

Melanie Tyndall

"Cooper's Shout is backing up after a last-start fourth over 1000m on December 14 - he's going well, is much fitter, is carrying the minimum weight and the distance should once again suit," Tyndall said when commenting on the Happy New Year Handicap (1000m).

Battle Ready is returning from a spell, but that shouldn't prove too much of a hindrance in the Bridge Toyota Handicap (1100m) according to Tyndall.

"He's nice and fresh, and the inside gate helps," she said. "He is normally on the speed when they jump and we should settle in either first or second spot."

Enchanted Boy is aiming for his third straight win when he lines up in the Skycity Handicap (1100m).

"His last start win was over 1600m on November 5, but he has been freshened up and is a good chance on Wednesday," Tyndall said.

This is how Tyndall assessed the chances of her three remaining rides.

"Kirkham has had a few runs and is certainly at his peak - the 1300m trip is a good distance for him and he has drawn well," she said.

"African Prince has been thereabouts in his last few starts and the 1600m certainly suits. The claim will also help, and despite the fact that he is an old horse (eight years old) he is still pretty consistent.

"I've also drawn well with De Souba Star and the claim is also a bonus."

Tyndall celebrated her second Christmas in Darwin and for the first time in a number of years she was able to have Boxing Day off.

"I enjoyed the break, but I did put on 3kg over the Christmas period," she said.

"However, I'll be back to my normal weight come New Year's Day."

And she is certainly enjoying her time in the Top End.

"I've been here for just over 12 months and I have no plans to leave Darwin because I'm happy here," she said.

Tyndall was good friends with Simone Montgomerie, who was tragically killed on Darwin Cup Day in August.

"It will be hard to forget 2013 because it was a very sad period and the memory of Simone's accident will remain for a long time," she said.

"You've got to keep going, but it's something that's always going to be in your thoughts.

"It's always going to be talked about, but Simone will not be far from our hearts."

Simone Montgomerie