Reece Jones, Rodney Northam combine for victory in final Highway before Championships with Speck

Reece Jones and Rodney Northam have developed a very successful jockey-trainer combination over the years and they struck again with Speck at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Reece Jones gets Speck home in the TAB Highway Handicap at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images

Reece Jones and Rodney Northam have developed a very successful jockey-trainer combination over the years and they struck again with Speck at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Speck finished fast to win the last TAB Highway (1000m) until after The Championships in April.

Jones was apprenticed to Northam and has continued their association as a senior jockey, even making the trip to Scone and other Hunter Valley meetings to ride for Northam when his schedule allows.

Speck gave Jones his 81st winner for the trainer, the most he has had for any stable.

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“It’s always good to ride a winner for my old boss any day of the week but a Highway win is even better,’’ Jones said.

“Rod and his team had here ready to go today. She was up on the toe where normally she is dead quiet so she knew what she was here for today.’’

In a tight finish with only a length separating the first five over the line, Speck ($16) scored by a half length from Massira ($11) and She Within ($5.50) a close third.

Speck weaves her way through to take the TAB Highway for @rodnortham and Reece Jones! ✨@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/XJuunIyaUz

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 1, 2025

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Trainer Danny Williams had the third, fourth and fifth placegetters with Kreon and Exit Fee in the finish.

Speck is becoming a short-course specialist scoring her fourth win – all at 1000m – from just 10 starts.

“I think her breathing is her biggest let down so 1000m and 1100m is her go,’’ Jones said.

“She bounced out well today and got a nice cart into it. I peeled her off into a three-wide line and got her running and she was too strong.’’