ALABAMA STATE “LIKE FAMILY” TO TRAINER

JACK Pilkington says Alabama State is “like family”.

Understandably so given the Alabama Express four-year-old has provided him with his four career victories; the latest at Rosehill Gardens yesterday when he overcame the outside barrier and gave weight to all his rivals.

Jockey James McDonald couldn’t get cover on the gelding, who started a $4.60 third favorite in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1350m), but it mattered not as he burst to the front in the straight and scored easily from Iceman ($12) and Hazel Jean ($11).

Despite the ease of Alabama State’s first win in more than 15 months, Hawkesbury trainer Pilkington was staunch in his pre-race decision to call a halt to his campaign – and look to the future.

“He is like family to me,” Pilkington said today, both pleased and relieved to get another win on the board with his talented sprinter.

“I bought him as a yearling ($80,000) at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast three years ago, and have been with him ever since.

“He has been in work for too long this campaign, and it’s been stop and start.

“To keep him going any further would be a selfish thing to do.

“Alabama State hasn’t had a really good spell, and now is the time to do it.

“He will go out for at least 12 weeks, and I don’t think you will see him race again until he is a five-year-old.

“As he is now a gelding, it’s all about longevity,

“I want the owners to enjoy him for a few more years.

“When you learn from the best trainers (as Pilkington did), you know that if you look after a horse, there’s every chance they will reward you.

“I know the ability Alabama State has, and I’m confident he can go to another level next season.”

Pilkington has a dozen horses in his care at Hawkesbury, and clearly has a soft spot for Rosehill Gardens.

It was there where Alabama State was the trainer’s first starter (in a 2YO Handicap in January 2024), and also his maiden city victory in a Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m) in October that year.

Pilkington sought McDonald for yesterday’s mount – and not only did he get Alabama State back into the winning list, but started him on a five-winner haul at the meeting.

“He’s the world’s best jockey, and of course I was pleased to have him on board,” he said.

“Even though Alabama State drew the outside (12), James got him into a rhythm and allowed him to flow.

“That has given us some options when he returns to racing next season.”

Kembla Grange trainer Theresa Bateup today completed a successful Bega Cup carnival at the Sapphire Coast, taking home three winners.

After scoring with Sandbar three-year-old Sablonneuse (Brock Ryan) in the 1200m Maiden Handicap (1200m) at $7 yesterday, Bateup followed up by winning with both Lady Yarrow ($4) in the Class 2 Handicap (1200m) and Brundee Tom ($2.15 favorite) in the Super Maiden Plate (1400m).

Jess Taylor rode Lady Yarrow, and Ryan had the mount on Brundee Tom, who scored in the style of a horse who can win again.

Fellow Kembla Grange trainers Mitch Beer and George Carpenter also were winners today, with Los Padres (Grant Buckley) at $15 in the Bega Sprint (1200m).

STORY JOHN CURTIS, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS