Valleys at Te Rapa for Riddell Before Peak

Jockey Jonathan Riddell didn't have a great start at Te Rapa on Saturday, failing to make the weight for two of his six booked rides. But by the end of the day, reports NZ Racing Desk, he'd recorded a surprise Group 1 victory aboard Royal Performer (Medicean-Quadri, by Polish Precedent), finished second in another, and guided the exciting Gold Watch (Swiss Ace) to his fourth successive win. "I had success at the weekend, but I haven't got ahead of myself. I enjoyed it, but man, it's a tough game," Riddell said. "It's challenging. There are times I could have walked away. But this is my life, and the weekend was awesome. "It's the racing game, up and down, you've got to ride it." Riddell wasn't expecting Royal Performer to beat Melody Belle (Commands) in the Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), but he went in hoping for a strong effort after watching videos of the well-travelled gelding's six prior New Zealand starts, three of which he had won. Royal Performer was Riddell's second Group 1 winner for the season, after guiding Callsign Mav (Atlante) to his upset victory over Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in September. The tables were reversed in the Gr1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) with Callsign Mav finishing second to Avantage, beaten three lengths despite running the fastest final 600m in the race of 33.43. Meanwhile, Gold Watch's winning run has been one of the best feel-good stories of the season, providing a huge thrill for his 90-year-old Tauranga trainer Cliff Goss. "I've ridden him four times now," enthused Riddell, "and it's like he knows where the winning post is. I think he's pretty special."

Jonathan Riddell aboard Royal Performer (pic: Trish Dunell)