Courtesy of racenet.com.au

Wednesday, 15 April 2009

Jockey Jay Ford has been replaced aboard champion sprinter Takeover Target by Nash Rawiller in Saturday’s Group I T J Smith Stakes at Randwick.

Takeover Target’s trainer Joe Janiak has not been unavailable for comment since the jockey change was released at midday but Nash Rawiller said he was honoured to get the opportunity.

“I’m rapt to be on him,” Rawiller said.

“I’ve been on some outstanding sprinters over the years and he’ll be the best one I’ve sat on.”

The decision was made after overnight rain with outgoing jockey Jay Ford sighting the prospect of the wet track as being the reason for his loss.

“Obviously Joe’s concern was the wet track and the horse would have too carry too much dead weight on his back,” Ford said.

“That and the fact that he missed a bit of work recently with all the rain up at Coffs Harbour and he’s looking after the horse’s best interests by using a heavier jockey to minimise the dead weight he’ll be carrying.”

Ford has been aboard Takeover Target in 36 of the champion’s 37-start career and today’s news comes as a major bombshell as the pair have combined for 19 victories.

The only time Ford didn't ride Takeover Target was due to a suspension he was serving when the horse finished seventh in the 2005 Age Classic under Steven Arnold.

Rawiller said the booking was for only for this Saturday and he want’s to make the most of his one off opportunity.

“There’s absolutely no chance I’ll be sticking with him,” Rawiller said.

“Jay will be back on him.”