FIVE years on from a career-threatening race fall young jockey Jake Noonan’s lived out a childhood dream when he claimed his maiden Group 1 victory on Precious Gem in Saturday’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Classic.
The son of Mornington trainer Tony Noonan had his riding career put on hold after a horrible fall sidelined him for an extended period of time in 2011 but a change in scenery led to opportunities and a subsequent partnership with young Caulfield trainer Henry Dwyer.
“I was no where 12 months ago,’’ an ecstatic Noonan said at Morphettville. “To be riding in Group 1 races is one thing, but to be winning a Group 1 race is amazing.’’
It was Noonan’s first Group 1 win and Dwyer’s second after winning the Queensland Derby win Sontag in 2014.
“Having the owners confidence to put me on was a massive boost for myself,’’ Noonan added.
“Henry has been great for my career, backing my ability every step of the way and I can’t thank him enough.’’
Despite her impressive victory, Precious Gem is headed for the sales ring with connections offering the mare at next month’s Magic Millions Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast on June 2.
Dwyer, one of Australian racing’s brightest stars, said he was relaxed leading into the race with Precious Gem coming off a smart win the Listed Anniversary Vase at Caulfield.
“You can never be confident going into a Group 1,’’ Dwyer said. “But I was quite relaxed mainly because the horse looked so well, it’s a credit to the stable.’’
Precious Gem defeated the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Sheidel, while I Love It made ground late to finish third for the second successive year.
Precious Gem defeated the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Sheidel, who denied local jockey Matthew Neilson a Group 1 win, while I Love It made ground late to finish third for the second successive year.
Precious Gem’s brilliant win was overshadowed by a fall earlier in the race where Schweppes Oaks-winning jockey Luke Nolen was dislodged from Miss Promiscuity crashing heavily to the track.
Nolen suffered a shoulder and possible spine injury and was in a serious but stable condition in Royal Adelaide hospital on Saturday night.
Article from adelaidenow.com.au