Thomas lands Home Hill spoils at historic meeting

By Jordan Gerrans

Jockey Nathan Thomas has made a home for himself in the North Queensland riding ranks in recent years and was rewarded on Saturday with a double at a historic meeting.

The Burdekin Race Club at Home Hill celebrated their centenary race day on Saturday with five non-TAB events.

The 43-year-old Thomas took the riding honours across the program, piloting a double.

The Home Hill club honoured their history with the way they named the races on Saturday’s card – pointing to their launch back in 1924 as well as noting the club’s volunteer base over the century.

For the occasion, the club put on a special $500 jockey challenge for the hoop who finished with the most points across the five races.

As the Sunshine Coast-based Thomas rode a double, he was chuffed to land the prize.

“It doesn’t sound like a lot of money but for a jockey who has to travel up for the meeting, it helps pay for all expenses of the weekend,” the lightweight hoop said.

“It is a really good incentive for the club to do that for jockeys.

“I wasn’t aware they were doing it before the races but to get to end of the day and see what they had organised – it meant a lot.

“The club do a great job and it was a great day.

“The club do a good job as the track is as good as many around the area in South East Queensland.”

Thomas is one of a handful of jockeys who fly in, fly out to North Queensland to ride at provincial and country meetings.

He rarely rides on the non-TAB circuit in NQ but with a Townsville meeting on the Thursday, it made sense to hang around to ride at Home Hill – which is just down the road – a few days later. 

After riding in the city in Brisbane and Sydney earlier in his career, Thomas has been prolific at Townsville (30 winners), Rockhampton (26), Mackay (13) and Cairns (12) in recent years.

“It is good, as I am one of the lighter riders and I see it as a way of riding more often than what I would in the South East corner,” the Sunshine Coast-based jockey said.

Thomas landed his winners in a race-to-race double in the third and fourth events on the program.

Nano Star for Mackay horseman Lachie Manzelmann was able to land the prize in the 1000 metre Open Handicap before Let's Roll from the Lyle Wright barn was successful over the same trip in Benchmark 50 Handicap grade.

“Lachie’s horse went really well, he had been racing at TAB venues and not getting beaten far,” Thomas said.

“It was the first time I had ridden the horse and he suited the track as he ran on the speed.

“It was similar with Lyle’s horse as he drew a good gate and he raced on the speed.

“I think that is key for those tight little circuits – if you can draw an alley and put yourself in a prominent position without doing too much work, then you are always a good chance to win.

“It was good to ride winners for Lachie and Lyle as they are both really nice people.”

After riding at the Caloundra trials on Tuesday morning, Thomas is back to NQ later this week with engagements at Townsville on Friday before heading to Innisfail on Saturday, as well.

He will also partner Dustyiam for trainer Stephanie Sixtus at Kilcoy Race Club on Thursday over 1200 metres.