Interview With Top Jockey Tim Clark
Clark To Success In The Everest
Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes, superstar Victorian filly Shoals is ready to take on the Everest under Tim Clark. At just her 10th start and in one of the most emphatic Sangster wins, the 3YO smashed some of Australia’s best racemares with a devastating show of acceleration down the middle of the home straight to win by 1¾ lengths.Her jockey Clark has ridden 100 winners in NSW and he now confirmed to ride Shoals yet again in the Everest.
The Everest Diaries has a chat about Shoals and his Everest ride, his plans and preparation as well as anything else in between.
Q: You have ridden and won on both English and Shoals earlier this year. But you chose to ride Shoals, was there any reason you decided to choose Shoals?
A: Actually the Shoal’s ride was offered to me first. I later discovered that English had also secured an Everest slot. I am very happy with Shoals.
Q: What do you think sets Shoals’ apart from the other Everest contenders?
A: She is a complete racehorse. She is very versatile. She can cope with all types of tracks, whether it’s soft or good. She has won three different Group One with three different distances. And she is great with both off-speed and on-speed. It’s a great asset.
Q: What comes next for her?
A: She has her second barrier trial next week on Tuesday. Based on her performance, there are a couple of options as to where she goes next. Based on her conditioning, she may have one or two prep races. That will be upto the team to decide.
Q: What are your personal milestones for this year, apart from riding in the Everest?
A: It has started leading up to the spring festival in Sydney and Melbourne soon. I hope to secure quite a few rides over the next few months in Sydney and then head over to Melbourne later.
Q: How long have you known Anthony Freedman?
A: Since Anthony Freedman trains from Victoria, I haven’t known him for a very long time. But I have just ridden one Group One race for him, which I won. I hope to keep the same hundred percent strike rate.
Q: How did you become a jockey and what are your future plans?
A: My older brother is a jockey. I fell in love with the game, while watching him ride. I have been riding for fifteen years and I see myself riding for the next fifteen years atleast. I have done a couple of season in Hong Kong. Its been an enjoyable ride so far and I enjoy racing.
It a very competitive scene in Sydney and I thoroughly enjoy the challenge.
Published In EverestDiaries Issue 5, Vol 2
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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com