Race Images Palmerston North
A call up from one of the country’s premier trainers marks a significant step in the development of Dylan Turner’s jumping career.
The 23-year-old has only recently turned to riding over fences and at Wanganui on Thursday his services have been claimed by local maestro Kevin Myers, who has booked him for Highly Likely in the Brian FM Maiden Hurdle.
“I was talking to him at Hastings after I finished third in the Wellington Hurdles on Thatz David and he thought I rode well and said he’d like me on one of his,” Turner said.
“It’s a starting point with one of the best so I’m very, very excited to get the opportunity. I’ve only had six jumping rides so far.”
Turner, who has ridden 99 winners on the flat, will also be aboard the Dean Cunningham-trained The Fox in the Guthrie Bowron Open Steeplechase.
“I know he hasn’t won a race since 2012, but he has been consistent and with three kilos off he’ll only carry 62kg – he hasn’t carried that for a long, long time so he’s going to really enjoy the weight relief,” Turner said.
“I schooled him about a month and a half ago and I ride for Dean once a week and the horse has been working well.”
Turner’s flat rides include Agooddeal in the Property Brokers Compliance 1360 and Hey Mr Fox in the Cervus Equipment NZ Limited Maiden 1600.
“On paper, Agooddeal is probably my best, but Hey Mr Fox is coming back to a mile and on his work he’s a good chance,” he said. – NZ Racing Desk.