LOCKY Scorse could never be accused of being impatient – until this week, that is!
The 19-year-old Newcastle apprentice and fourth generation jockey will make his riding debut at Tuncurry’s TAB meeting on Saturday.
And he can’t wait.
“Locky already has his bags packed,” the youngster’s mother Lara told us.
“He bought gear from some former jockeys, and also new gear.
“Locky looked at the nominations yesterday and looks like having at least three rides, which is perfect.
“He is excited and confident. I’m the one with the butterflies.”
Whereas apprentices have to ride in a minimum 20 barrier trials under RacingNSW stewards’ supervision before they can become licensed, Scorse has ridden in “around 80”, ensuring all aspects were ready before launching his career.
Now officially apprenticed, to experienced Newcastle trainer David Atkins, Scorse is ready to kick off at a Sky 2 six-race meeting.
It will be a special day as Locky Scorse is a member of a long-standing and popular Newcastle family.
He is continuing a riding tradition started by his late great grandfather Roy Hinton (who also became a very successful trainer), his late grandfather Alan Scorse (also subsequently a successful trainer), and his father Mathew.
Alan’s brother John also rode successfully and Patrick, John's son, is a jockey.
But it wasn’t always a certainty that young Locky would follow in their footsteps.
“Locky obviously has been around horses all his life,” Lara Scorse said.
“In fact, he was at the stables in a pram from the time he was born.
“However, he was a very good all-round sportsman at school and made a few representative teams.
“It was only at the end of Year 6 at primary school and when he got to high school that he started studying the form and going to the stables more often, and became really keen on pursuing a riding career.
“I guess it’s in his blood, isn’t it?
“He is with the right person in Dave Atkins, who has old school values and doesn’t stand for any nonsense.
“Locky starts with Dave at 3.30 am, then when he is finished there, rides work for Nathan Doyle, Mark Minervini, Kris Lees, Sam Kavanagh, and any of the trainers with smaller teams who need help to get their horses worked.
“The trainers have been very supportive, and fellow trainer Steve Hodge (who spent a considerable time with Roy Hinton learning the ropes before launching his own training career) has promised him a ride on Saturday.”
Locky Scorse has also spent some time with the Peter and Paul Snowden stable, riding work at Randwick alongside his father, and also in trials, to gain further experience.
Newcastle’s newest apprentice will have a big cheer squad when he dons the silks for the first time in a race at the Tuncurry meeting, which has been transferred from Port Macquarie, where the course proper is undergoing a major renovation.
“Locky has his own car, but I’ll drive him to the races on Saturday,” Ms Scorse said.
“My family and friends also are going to cheer him on.
“Unfortunately, Mathew and his wife Libby will be away on an overseas trip which was booked some time back and had to be postponed because of COVID.
“But they will be watching from afar no matter what time it is.
“And, of course, it is so terribly sad that his grandparents Alan and Sharyn (who passed away in 2021 within a couple of months of each other) won’t be there to see Locky make his debut.
“But he will have angel’s wings riding with him for sure.”
*Words John Curtis, June 27, 2023 - Pics supplied*
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