Maiden stakes win spurring jockey Liam Riordan to seize spring opportunities
Riordan and wife Emily, a racing broadcast producer and reporter, also have a mounting food bill on the home front with 10-week Bernese Mountain Dog Paddington.
Paddington is small at the moment but fully grown at 60kg would comfortably outweigh Riordan.
• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Riordan, set to be dialled in at 51kg-52kg in spring to attract lightweight rides, has pin-up off-season sprinter Marble Nine on Saturday at Flemington in the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m).
Marble Nine has won three on the bounce, including the past two with Riordan in the saddle.
The five-year-old, trained by Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin, claimed the Listed Santa Ana Lane Series Final last start (1200m) at Flemington.
• Hayes brothers aim to challenge Maher for metro title
'He's been a good horse to me, not only good horse but a good stable to be riding for,' Riordan said.
'They've been loyal supporters of me for a long time.'
Liam Riordan winning the Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final on Marble Nine at Flemington. Picture: Racing Photos
Riordan arrived from Sydney on the Corstens' Flemington doorstep about a decade ago and worked towards a career in the saddle ever since.
The 28-year-old notched a personal best-equalling 55 winners last season.
Marble Nine became just reward for Riordan commitment to the craft.
• Field of dreams: Racing Victoria has time to unlock Oaklands potential
'Melbourne is probably the hardest state to get going in,' Riordan said.
'There's 20-30 high-class jockeys riding in town week-to-week and I'm on the fringe.
'This year, when I've got the opportunity I've capitalised on it really well … hopefully this horse can put my name out there a bit more and I can get more and more opportunities.
'I haven't gone away this year (holidays), which was the first time in three or four years I've ridden throughout winter.
'I'm riding consistent winners for loads of different stables and hopefully opportunities arise.'
Liam Riordan is chasing another stakes victory in the Aurie's Star Handicap on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos
Marble Nine is a $5.50 for the Aurie's Star from Splash Back ($2.50) and King Of Roseau ($4.60).
'He's got to carry 59.5kg up in grade but he's a horse in form,' Riordan said.
'Loves the straight and makes his own luck, puts himself right on the bunny and runs along.
'I wouldn't trade him for anything, I think he's there to run a bold race.'
Riordan credited a strong support network off the track for consistent race day results.
'Emily does a really good job of keeping me grounded,' Riordan said.
'Three overseas holidays in three years, a wedding, a honeymoon and we just bought a dog.
'I've got to keep riding.'
Gilbert Gardiner
Sports reporter
Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun.
@gilbertgardiner
Gilbert Gardiner
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
an hour ago
- The Australian
Blake Shinn's fourth Scobie Breasley Medal win spurs Group 1 goals
Four-time Scobie Breasley medallist Blake Shinn has set sights on more Group 1 success this season. The champion jockey completed a Scobie Breasley award hat-trick on Saturday night — crowned Victoria's best rider for a third straight season and fourth overall after winning it for the first time in 2005. Shinn chased a lofty goal to ride 200 winners last season in Victoria and remained on track until a heel injury setback in late May halted the progress. He returned in July and finished on 146 winners, including 74 metropolitan successes. PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Shinn rode three Group 1 winners last season, but only one in Melbourne — the Toorak Handicap aboard Queensland star Antino. The 31-time Group 1 winner, including the 2008 Melbourne Cup aboard Viewed for the late great Bart Cummings, is determined to build on the tally. 'I set the goal to try and win 200 (races) last year,' Shinn said. 'We were on track and we had the hiccup, which set me back … I would've gone close. 'I'll try and focus more on the Group 1s (this season) and target that. 'I want to be a bit more careful with my work ethic because it is quite demanding on your body going to a lot of the provincial meetings. 'I'm not saying I won't go to them because I will, but it is very demanding the work. 'It definitely paid dividends, but this season the goalposts will change and hopefully that will pay dividends.' Despite all the success last season, including a second metropolitan premiership in three seasons and milestone 2000th career winner, Shinn rated the win on Burlington Gate on February 27, the day trainer Michael Moroney died, as his most special moment. 'Mike had a profound impact on a lot of people in the industry and he had a profound impact on me,' an emotional Shinn said. 'To honour his legacy on that day, the day he passed, definitely was a highlight.' Fierce competitor and professional Shinn, a model of consistency, has dominated the Victorian riding ranks since he returned home from Hong Kong three years ago. READ: Ciaron Maher stayer makes Melbourne Cup statement at Moonee Valley 'There's some brilliant jockeys in Melbourne,' Shinn said. 'Craig Williams, Mark Zahra, Jamie Melham, the list goes on. 'I didn't really know what to expect when I came back but I grafted away and did my best. 'What we've been able to achieve is really special, it's a testament to our hard work really. 'You can never feel content, I'm never a person to feel content with what I've done. 'There's always something to try and achieve and strive to get better. 'We'll keep working and hopefully we can keep getting better, I feel I've got a lot to improve on and we'll keep getting better … but to accomplish what I have in Melbourne, I'm pretty happy with that.' Shinn attributed his success to a close-knit support network, most notably his partner Lucy Yeomans and manager Liam Prior. Gilbert Gardiner Sports reporter Gilbert Gardiner is a sports reporter for the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun. @gilbertgardiner Gilbert Gardiner
The Australian
an hour ago
- The Australian
'Coming up good': Exciting prospects for Ryan's spring colts
Trainer Gerald Ryan is excited by the potential of his stable's three-year-old arsenal with Blitzburg and Skyhook set to get first opportunity to stake their spring claims in Saturday's Listed $200,000 Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens. Ryan and co-trainer Sterling Alexiou are hoping several of their talented two-year-old contingent can make a positive transition into their three-year-old season with spring less than four weeks away. PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Group 3 winners Blitzburg and Skyhook are poised to make their return on home turf while King of Pop and Grand Eagle are down to trial at Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday. Group 3 Black Opal Stakes victor King Of Pop is in a 900m heat with two-time winner Grand Eagle also down to trial over 900m. 'Those two-year-olds that raced well in the autumn, those four colts are coming up good,' Ryan said. 'We have a couple of fillies that haven't raced that we have a bit of time for too. 'Blitzburg for certain will go to the Rosebud and we will decide on Skyhook after Tuesday morning. 'King Of Pop will wait and go to the San Domenico and Grand Eagle will probably start off in a Benchmark race and go to the Ming Dynasty.' Blitzburg's two-year-old season was reduced to four starts but the son of Snitzel made a strong impression, winning the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) on February 1. The talented colt had has had a long and steady build up for his return and was a winner of his most recent trial over 900m on July 29.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Supercars Ipswich Super 440: Broc Feeney confirms status as qualifying king
Broc Feeney has ensured a bumper Triple Eight Christmas party with a $50,000 pay day after sealing the season's pole position award with nine races still to run this year. Confirming his status as the series' new qualifying king, the championship leader claimed his 13th pole for the year in 25 races after blitzing the field with a blistering top-10 shootout lap. Feeney put his car at the front of the grid for Sunday's finale at Queensland Raceway to sweep all three poles for the Ipswich round. The 22-year-old finished almost half a second clear of Walkinshaw Andretti United's Ryan Wood with his brilliant 1:08.349 lap to bounce back after his false start penalty in Saturday's second sprint race when he finished to teammate Will Brown. Feeney indicated on Saturday night the prize money would go into the kitty for the team's Christmas party at the end of the year if he sewed up the award on Sunday. 'I'm pretty pumped. I knew we've had a fast car all weekend and I always love these shootout, I think that's four in a row now this year,' Feeney said. 'It's bloody awesome and to do it by nearly half a second around here at QR is fantastic in front of all my friends and family, I've got my Nan upstairs watching and everyone here. 'It's fantastic to wrap up the Boost pole award already this year, 50 grand is pretty awesome. 'I was obviously a little bit gutted yesterday, throwing away that race win, I just wanted to really execute and do a really good job today and I know how important it is to qualify up front. 'I've just got so much confidence in the car and also myself, I can really back myself in qualifyings. It's something I'm really thriving on. 'To think that I've got 13 poles this year is absolute insanity.' The Pole King ðŸ'' @brocfeeney93 secures @BoostAus Pole for Race 25 as well as clinching the 2025 @BoostAus Pole Award! #RepcoSC #Supercars — Supercars (@supercars) August 10, 2025 Brown will start third on the grid for the 63-lap finale with Team 18's Anton De Pasquale and Triple Eight wildcard Zach Bates, who has impressed in his first Supercars hitout this weekend, rounding out the top five. Brodie Kostecki, James Golding, Cameron Hill, Chaz Mostert and David Reynolds completed the top 10. Reynolds was the first driver out in the top-10 shootout and received a nice present on his windscreen. 'You wouldn't believe it, something happened like a bird shat on my window at the last corner as I was coming up to start my lap and it put me off,' Reynolds told the broadcast after his lap. It started off as a miserable day for Tickford star Cam Waters ahead of his 300th race after he struggled in qualifying and missed the top-10 shootout. The Ford ace, who was 17th and fifth in Saturday's two sprint races, will start from 19th on the grid for Sunday's Ipswich finale. Waters started off the year as the qualifying pacesetter with three straight poles - and three straight victories - in Sydney, but has not had a pole since then. His Tickford teammate Thomas Randle didn't fare much better and will start 23rd. Brown upstages Feeney after Sprint Cup success Championship leader Broc Feeney became the first driver to book his ticket to the Supercars finals with a Sprint Cup win before he was later upstaged by his teammate Will Brown in a Triple Eight one-two after being hit with a costly penalty at Queensland Raceway. After Feeney continued his hot streak to claim his 11th win of the year in Saturday's opening sprint battle at the Ipswich circuit to clinch the inaugural Sprint Cup, it was Brown who took the honours in the second race as he secured a drought-breaking victory. The defending Supercars champion claimed his first win since the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in March and his second for the year as he capitalised on a rare Feeney error. Pole sitter Feeney looked to have made a blistering start to the race, but it proved to be a little too good and he was soon under investigation by the stewards. The stewards ruled Feeney had jumped the gun off the start line and he was hit with a five-second time penalty for a false start. The changing of the guard ðŸ'° @brocfeeney93 is your @RepcoAustralia Race 23 winner at the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440! #RepcoSC #Supercars — Supercars (@supercars) August 9, 2025 After both Triple Eight drivers had pitted and Feeney had served his time penalty, there was little separating the pair, but Brown held off his teammate for a confidence-boosting win. Brown and Feeney finished ahead of Walkinshaw Andretti United's Ryan Wood, who claimed his second podium of the day. 'It's great to get a win finally, it's been a fair while now,' Brown said after the race. 'To be honest, it's not really the way we want to do it, but unfortunately Broc got a jump-start there. 'But I'm a race car driver and I'm selfish, so I'll take that win. 'Stoked for our side of the garage to get a win, everyone in the team did a fantastic job. The cars were super fast and we were able to gap a lot of the field and work with our strategy. 'We knew Broc had a five-second penalty, but he's super fast and he's hard to beat this weekend and he's been hard to beat all year but he's doing a fantastic job. 'I wasn't going to let him pass, that's for sure. He's had enough wins this year.' Brown sits 232 points behind Feeney in the championship standings with one more 63-lap race at Ipswich on Sunday before Supercars moves into the Enduro Cup. Feeney had been targeting a pair of sprint wins after grabbing back-to-back poles amid wild weather earlier in the day and said he was 'gutted' he cost himself the win in the second race. 'I obviously didn't do anything different, just hence the question at the start, but they said I was moving at the start,' Feeney. 'Fair enough, if you're moving, you get a penalty. We'll go back and have a look at why. I didn't feel like I was moving as such. 'But obviously a great job for a one-two and obviously gutted I slipped up there and cost us a win, but overall we still had a really fast car.' An Ipswich victory on his 150th race! @will_brown87 is your @RepcoAustralia Race 24 winner ðŸ�† #RepcoSC #Supercars — Supercars (@supercars) August 9, 2025 It was a dramatic start to the second sprint race when a safety car was deployed on the opening lap after multiple cars got caught up in a turn-one skirmish. Brodie Kostecki, Jack Le Brocq and Jaxon Evans were among those to come off second-best and were forced back to the pits for repairs. Kostecki was able to rejoin the race after his car was patched up, while Le Brocq and Evans' races were over. Earlier, Feeney became the first driver to book his place in the Supercars finals after he clinched the Sprint Cup when he converted from pole in the opening sprint race. After the Triple Eight star enhanced his status as this year's qualifying king with two more poles, Feeney claimed his 10th win from the past 13 races to win ahead of Grove Racing rookie Kai Allen and Kiwi Wood. Last year's championship runner-up was surging to the victory in his Red Bull 'rocket ship' before a late safety car, which was deployed after David Reynolds skidded off the track, saw the race finish under the yellow flags. The Sprint Cup gives Feeney a ticket straight to Supercars' end-of-season finals, which start at the Gold Coast 500 in late October, and 25 bonus points for the start of the three-round play-offs. In a sign of the changing Supercars guard, the Feeney (22) Allen (20) and Wood (21) podium was the youngest ever.
