Jockey Nash Rawiller is poised to claim his third Sydney jockey's premiership. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Nash Rawiller will go into Wednesday’s final race meeting for the season at Warwick Farm as a short priced favourite to win the Sydney jockey’s premiership but knows he still has a battle on his hands to claim the major prize.
An outstanding month of riding has seen Rawiller ride four winners on each day at the last two Saturday meetings at Randwick and Rosehill enabling him to overtake Hugh Bowman in the lead for premiership honours.
Bowman went into last Saturday Randwick meeting a half a win ahead on 71 ½ wins, but could only find one winner for the day on the Bjorn Baker trainer Follonica in the 1200m Benchmark 84.
While Rawiller was in exceptional form again with his quartet of wins on Watabout, Queen’s Elect, See The World and Eigelstein, which left him two and half wins in front leading into Wednesday’s grand final.
Even if it looks like Rawiller has the momentum going, he is not yet ready to claim his third jockey’s title until the final race at Warwick Farm.
“I have tremendous respect for Hughie, he is a great competitor,” Rawiller said.
“I’m not letting myself think I’m home yet.
“Hughie could very easily come out and ride three or four winners on Wednesday.
“I don’t think it is over yet. Put it this way, before Hughie went on holidays you would not believe I was any chance of winning, so anything can happen.”
Bowman won’t go down without a fight, also looking for his third title, and was very relieved to chalk one up on Saturday while Rawiller was in such hot form.
“Well that win has stopped the bleeding for now,” Bowman said after scoring on Follonica.
Both jockey’s are certain to have a strong book of rides at Warwick Farm with Rawiller, who is now the one to beat, doing a remarkable job after missing two months of riding over the Summer after breaking his ankle just before Christmas.
“I hope it all comes together,” Rawiller said.
“My manager Brett Grant has done an amazing job and has made a difference.
“Eight weeks ago I was 15 behind Hughie. But he could come out and ride three or four on Wednesday.
“He has a stronger book of rides.”
Bowman is looking for back to back titles after riding 93 1/2 winners last season while Rawiller was the champion rider the previous season with 93 winners.
