Northern Territory jockey Aaron Sweeney, an Irish native, will feature at Darwin on Saturday and Alice Springs on Sunday.
“A little bit of luck on St Paddy’s Day would be good this weekend,” so said Sweeney.
The former Canberra jockey has a ride in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at both venues – Gary Clarke’s Influential Jack at Fannie Bay and Neil Dyer’s Hettinger at Pioneer Park.
It’s Day 1 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, and Sweeney, 39, who calls Darwin home, is currently based in the Red Centre.
“I’m kind of getting used to flying to and from Darwin to Alice Springs,” he said.
“I’m getting plenty of rides, I’m enjoying it.”
Invited by Victorian trainer Dyer to ride in Darwin last year, Sweeney relocated to the NT after posting seven wins during Cup Carnival.
That included success on Dick Leech’s Early Crow in the Palmerston Sprint (1200m) and Dyer’s Munster in the Jaytex Construction Cup (1300m).
“No regrets leaving Canberra at all, things have been pretty good,” Sweeney said.
“I was freelancing when I got to Darwin, but I’m now doing a lot of track work for Gary Clarke.
“I’ve ridden some nice horses for Gary – just poking along, doing my best.
“I’m waiting for the Dyers to relocate permanently from Kyneton to Darwin.
“Neil and his son James arrived in Alice with their six horses on Monday, but Neil had to fly back home on Wednesday.”
Sweeney agreed that Influential Jack, a seven-year-old gelding, who has yet to win for Clarke after 10 starts, faces a tough assignment.
The son of Epaulette, second in last year’s race as a $2.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, confronts Wilsons Prom, Son Of Bielski, Bon’s Pride, Tubthumper and Vallabar.
“It’s not the easiest field, so I’ll give him the best ride I possibly can and try and knock them off if I can,” Sweeney laughed.
“He was a last start fifth over 1200m, but I think the mile will suit him.”
Come Sunday, Sweeney partners Hettinger where That’s Justified, Century Fox, Venting, Zelring and Equal Balance provide stiff opposition.
Hettinger certainly impressed first up in the NT last year after saluting in Alice Springs and Darwin before winning the Katherine Cup (1700m).
The five-year-old gelding by I Am Invincible has been set for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7 and the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5.
Sweeney will also partner Dyer’s Munster in an open 1100m handicap on Sunday.
“Compared to last year, I think Hettinger is stronger and a much better horse,” he said.
“Obviously being a bit more seasoned now, he’ll only improve.
“He’s had a couple of runs in Victoria, he’ll be the one to beat on Sunday.
“I’m really happy with him and so are the Dyers, so looking forward to the Cups he’s going to be a contender.
“Based on his Darwin win last year, I think Munster can be very competitive against Great Buy and Early Crow.
“With the small field, a decent weight and barrier one, I’m not worried too much.”
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