Locally owned galloper Flying Basil returned to form in style last Saturday at Great Western, winning his eighth cup race and breaking a track record in the process.
Having his third run from a spell, Flying Basil ($4) led all the way in the $60,000 Great Western Cup (1950 metres) under the urgings of Irish jockey Tom Madden.
Flying Basil was formerly trained locally by Jackson Pallot and is one of a number of Bairnsdale-owned horses now in the care of Flemington and Warrnambool trainer Shane Jackson, who has made an immediate impact since taking out his trainer’s licence.
The former successful jumps jockey from Ireland was stable foreman for Lindsay Smith before branching out on his own.
Since joining Jackson, Flying Basil has won the Hanging Rock, Naracoorte, Casterton and Great Western Cups.
The $10,000 purchase, who cut his teeth on the picnic circuit in the East Gippsland hills, has now won 14 races from 52 starts and earned $306,540 in stakes.
To cap off a big weekend for the Jackson stable and their Bairnsdale connection, Shooter McGavin was successful at Mount Gambier on Sunday, while another promising galloper, Becauseyou’re Mine finished a close second.
All three gallopers will be placed to advantage by the shrewd Jackson at their next assignment.
