CHEERS and tears greeted Locky Scorse’s breakthrough winner at Muswellbrook today.
The 19-year-old apprentice and fourth generation jockey, and a member of one of Newcastle’s long-standing and well-respected families, was successful at only his fourth race ride.
He took up the running soon after the start and then was never headed on his master Dave Atkins’ gelding Rockbarton Roman ($6.50) to land the Class 3 Handicap (1450m).
The cheers were for the young rider’s maiden success, especially having begun his career only last Saturday at Tuncurry with a second placing on stablemate Rockbarton Racer ($16), his first ever mount.
The tears were because his grandparents Sharyn and Alan Scorse passed away within months of each other in 2021.
“Everyone was thinking about them when Locky passed the post,” said the youngster’s very proud mother Lara.
“I don’t think Locky was too keen on his Mum going to Muswellbrook today, but I’m glad I was there.
“I wouldn’t have missed his first win for the world.”
Winning trainer Atkins wasn’t trackside and left it to former Newcastle trainer Grant Marshall to saddle Rockbarton Roman.
“Grant gave training away and has been with me for a few months now,” Atkins said. “He knows what he is doing and is a good hand to have on board.
“Rockbarton Roman won over 1500m at Port Macquarie a few starts back, and I decided to put blinkers back on him today.
“A number of scratchings reduced the field to 12, and I discussed with Locky this morning how things might pan out.
“We decided that if he could get to the front without any bother, to rate him and go steady as though he was riding trackwork.
“I also told him not to worry if it didn’t work out as I own most of the horse.
“Locky couldn’t have done any better, and it was great to see him get his first winner so quickly.”
Atkins watched the race on TV, and his thoughts also were for the youngster’s late grandparents.
“Such a terrible shame Alan and Sharyn weren’t there to see Locky win his first race,” he said. “They would have been as proud as punch.”
Locky (real name Lachlan) Scorse is following in the footsteps of his late great grandfather Roy Hinton (who also trained successfully), grandfather Alan (who, like his father-in-law, also became a successful trainer after his riding career ended), and his father Mathew, who is on a pre-arranged overseas holiday with wife Libby.
Alan Scorse’s brother John also rode successfully, and John’s son Patrick also is a jockey.
Locky Scorse wore the racing colours of his great grandfather when he rode Mystic Girl ($61) at Tuncurry last Saturday for fellow Newcastle trainer Steve Hodge, who learnt the ropes with Hinton before launching his own career.
Scorse had two rides today; his first being seventh placed The Fossil ($15), in the race prior to Rockbarton Roman, for another Newcastle trainer Sam Kavanagh.
Whereas he claimed 3kg on The Fossil, he was able to utilize his full 4kg entitlement on Rockbarton Roman, lessening his original 58kg handicap.
The Rubick four-year-old clinched his fourth win when he comfortably defeated Titled Tycoon ($8) and Seahaven ($3.90 favorite).
Scorse can ride comfortably at 54kg, and will be back in action at Taree on Thursday, where he already has a definite booking. He can ride four more winners before his claim is reduced to 3kg.
*Words John Curtis, July 3, 2023 - Pic Muswellbrook Race Club*
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