Newcastle’s standalone Saturday meeting has become one of the Hunter region’s most anticipated racing events, but for local-born jockey Dylan Gibbons, the day carries an even deeper personal connection.
Raised in Newcastle and apprenticed to leading trainer Kris Lees, Gibbons recorded his first black-type win on home soil when Festival Dancer took out the Spring Stakes in 2021 for Matt Smith — a breakthrough moment he still treasures.
“That was three or four years ago. I’m starting to feel like I’m an old jockey,” he joked.
“I love it there. The other boys don’t because it’s two hours down the freeway, but I used to do that all the time.
“It is one of my favourite tracks. Not because I grew up there but it’s a spacious track. It’s a beautiful area and it’s good to get back and see some family and friends.”
This weekend, Gibbons has a strong book of eight mounts from ten races, headlined by Maison Louis ($5.50) in the Listed The Beauford (2300m).
The Queensland Derby winner impressed finishing third in the Hill Stakes (1900m) two starts ago before a disappointing effort in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m), a run Gibbons puts down to the track conditions.
“He was a little bit disappointing the other day, but I put that down to the rain on the day,” Gibbons said.
“He travelled so well in the run. He travelled on the back of the winner and the moment I clicked him up he just completely lost his way. If you watch the replay, he gets himself on a weird angle and he was floating. I thought he didn’t handle the track and visually, it looks the same way.
“His work suggests he has gotten over that run and I’m very happy with where he’s at.”
With Pocketing withdrawn, 13 horses remain for The Beauford, with Maison Louis sharing second favouritism behind $5 equal picks Future History and Grand Pierro — the latter placed behind Melbourne Cup champion Half Yours in the Naturalism Stakes.
Gibbons will also ride Infancy for Lees in the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) and Pinot Nero for John Ramsey in the Spring Stakes (1600m).
Punters can find odds and bonuses for The Hunter and The Beauford at JustHorseRacing’s bookmakers list.
