He didn’t exactly end 2023 on a good note, but NSW apprentice Dylan Stanley hopes to start 2024 in better fashion at Alice Springs on Saturday.
The 21-year-old had four rides in Darwin on December 30 – his first appearance at Fannie Bay since July 17, 2021 – before coming to grief aboard the Chris Pollard-trained Hey Little Sister soon after the start.
Having pinged out of the gates, the five-year-old mare bucked after 50 metres, dislodging the young rider.
Stanley struck his head on the dirt surface and complained of neck soreness before he was taken by ambulance to Royal Darwin Hospital for further observation.
Despite escaping serious injury, Stanley was diagnosed with a mild concussion and stood down from riding for 12 days.
Having only just arrived back in the NT after agreeing to ride for Alice Springs trainer Terry Gillett for three months, Stanley returned home to Wellington to recuperate.
He returned to the Red Centre on January 17 and resumed track work for the Gillett stable.
On Saturday, he makes his first appearance back at Pioneer Park since July 18, 2021.
Apart from riding Gillett’s talented eight-year-old gelding Supreme Attraction – last year’s Pioneer Sprint (1200m) winner – Stanley has three other bookings on the five-event program.
He will partner Kerry Petrick’s last start winner The Girl’s Party and Russell Bell’s Arrogant Miss, as well as Terry Huish’s Brave Fling – scratched on January 6 after rearing backwards in the gates before flipping upside down.
Brave Fling only suffered superficial injuries despite being wedged on the ground, while rider Sonja Logan suffered a lower leg injury.
Stanley, who first experienced NT racing when he featured at Alice Springs, Darwin and Adelaide River from June-July in 2021, will be aiming to kick-start his return to Central Australia with a win.
“I was fine about a week after the Darwin incident, just flew back home and gave my partner Brittany (Haddon) a hand with the house,” Stanley said.
“Brittany arrives in Alice Springs on Monday week, she’s bringing up the caravan.
“Her grandparents are going to follow her up just to make sure she gets up here safely.
“I’m currently staying with Terry and his wife Leanne, who is also a trainer, at the moment.”
Supreme Attraction returned from a spell on January 6 and finished almost four lengths adrift of the in-form Throw At Da Stumps in second place in a five-horse field over 1000m (BM76) with 62.5kg on his back.
The Gillett’s daughter Dakota, an apprentice currently riding in South Australia, partnered Supreme Attraction that day and on Saturday the gelding will lump 61.5kg thanks to Stanley’s 3kg claim.
It’s 1200m (BM76) on this occasion, and although there are just five runners, the Garry Lefoe-trained Mighty Murt, who will carry 56kg courtesy of apprentice Jade Hampson’s 2kg claim, poses a serious threat.
Terry Gillett’s Bench Press and Brat, as well as Lisa Whittle’s Omoplata complete the field.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday, it’s been a while since I’ve ridden in Alice,” Stanley said.
“Hopefully things will go a lot better after what happened in Darwin.
“I’m not really under much pressure when it comes to Supreme Attraction.
“I rode him a long time ago in Darwin for Nyngan trainer Rodney Robb when he came up here for the Carnival.
“He’s been working good and although they should go quick early on Saturday, I think he can run over the top of them.
“He does have a lot of weight, but Terry told me that he carried weight last prep and was winning easily.”
Meanwhile, Stanley isn’t expecting any problems with Brave Fling this weekend.
“I ride him at track work every morning,” he said.
“I heard that he reared up in the barriers because of thunder.
“He’s going to walk in last on Saturday.
“He should be alright – he’s real quiet to ride.”
Stanley, who actually returned to the NT in early January, has acquired work with the Alice Springs Turf Club where he helps to maintain the Pioneer Park surrounds.
“It’s something to do through the day because there’s not much to do here,” he said.
“I’m enjoying, it’s good getting the gardens, the grounds and the track ready for Carnival in March.
“For the next three months, my aim is to work as much as I can – make a bit of money.
“Everything is going pretty good here, and everyone has made it easy for me to settle in Alice – they’re all good people.”
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