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The Australian
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Tom Sherry's up-and-down career made breakthrough Group 1 all the more satisfying
Tom Sherry admits there were times when he thought his day would never come – but Sydney's newest Group 1 jockey is hungry to capitalise now it has. The Irish-born hoop and former champion Sydney apprentice has always had the talent to succeed on racing's biggest stage. But he was forced to wait patiently for the chance to show what he was capable of at the top level. • 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! Last month that moment arrived in the most memorable of fashion when Sherry, now back riding in Sydney, snared a maiden Group 1 Tatt's Tiara triumph on Tashi. 'There was probably a while where I thought it wasn't going to happen so it was a bit surreal when it did,' Sherry said. 'Riding in Sydney is tough but when the Group 1s roll around, it's quite hard to get the quality in those races. 'That was probably my first chance on a horse that had a really big chance of winning a Group 1 race.' Sherry's story has been told before but it's worth recounting just how far he's come. The 26-year-old came to Australia in 2018 with no intention of riding after losing his licence in his home country. It wasn't long before he found his way back to racing and the talented hoop was quick to build momentum. He rode close to 100 winners in his first full season under the tutelage of former Randwick trainer Mark Newnham before adding his name to one of Sydney's most prestigious honour rolls, winning the 2020-21 metropolitan apprentices premiership. Tom Sherry with his partner Danika Losty after he claimed his first Group 1 in the Tatt's Tiara in Brisbane last month. Pictures: Trackside Photography 'When I first started riding it all came really quick,' Sherry said. 'I think it was 95 winners my first season here which is pretty crazy and it snowballed year after year. 'Through my apprenticeship it all happened really fast and I didn't have time to reflect. 'Since becoming a professional. It opened my eyes a little more and probably maturity, I am 26 now. I am still a young man I suppose but I've learnt a lot.' • 'Life couldn't be better': Van Overmeire's stellar season with bub on way The transition from apprentice to senior rider is one of the toughest in racing and has proven to be the undoing countless champion apprentices. It was a jump that took Sherry by surprise. 'Being champion apprentice, it's like being a big fish in a small pond at that stage and when you become a professional, I didn't realise how much of a jump it took,' Sherry said. 'It took a little while. 'Obviously with Mark Newnham going to Hong Kong, who was a big supporter of mine, was a hit as a came a professional because he was my main supporter. 'It took time to balance out but there's where Peter Snowden stepped in and hopefully winning the Group 1 can help get that bit more support and trainers for putting me on.' That Group 1 came in the final major of the season last month. At his 20th Group 1 ride, Sherry finally got his moment to savour when Tashi blitzed rivals to score an emphatic victory in the Tatt's Tiara at Eagle Farm. 'Obviously getting it the win for Peter Snowden was extra special and it's obviously been a goal of mine,' Sherry said. 'Peter has been great to me for a number of years now. He has been quite loyal and showed me good support from when I was an apprentice until now. 'It was extra special to get it for him.' • Racing Confidential: The leading contenders to replace McGauran The win was only made better by the fact he's fiance Danika Losty was on track to celebrate. They've been together for eight years and have shared in Sherry's rollercoaster racing journey together. 'She has seen all the ups and downs and highs and lows,' Sherry said. 'It was special to have her there and celebrate with her. 'My family in Ireland, I Facetimed them after the races and it was 7am and they were drinking champagne so they celebrated too.' Sherry says Cassiel is flying ahead of his Royal Randwick mission on Saturday. Picture: Bradley Photos Sherry renewed his successful partnership with Snowden at the midweeks with promising three-year-old filly Infusion scoring stylishly on debut at Canterbury Park. They hit the target again on Thursday at Gosford with exciting filly Nazwah producing a dominant debut success. On Saturday, they can keep momentum flowing at Royal Randwick with in-form galloper Cassiel in the The Agency Real Estate Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m). Cassiel, a $4.40 equal favourite, had earned a crack in Saturday company after scoring impressive at Canterbury and Hawkesbury to start this preparation. • Randwick Turf Talk: Cohen's Knockout tip for Saturday Sherry was aboard last start when the son of Harry Angel carried 61kg to victory in an 1100m event. 'The horse is flying,' Sherry said. 'He is going really well and hopefully the track continues to dry up a little more because that's only going to benefit him. 'He can't be going any better, he is two from two this preparation and won well there at Hawkesbury last start. 'I think he is definitely up to Saturday grade.' Sherry believes the Ron Quinton-trained Watch My Girl ($17) is capable of bouncing back to her best in the TAB Benchmark 88 Handicap (1400m). The daughter of Maurice has missed the placings at both starts this prep. 'She is a mare that has form in previous preparation and probably hasn't come up as well as she could do but she is in the right race for her,' Sherry said. 'She has the right gate from the right gate. 'If she can show her best, she is definitely in with a chance.' Sherry's day kicks off on Royal Teens ($61) is in the TAB Highway Class 3 Plate (1600m) while connecting with Agita ($18) in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1600m). He connects with a couple of outside chances for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald with Shahzad ($18) in the Eremein Benchmark 88 Handicap (1800m) and Extraordinaire ($26) in the Precise Air Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). A hat-trick of victories will be on offer for Who Ever Thought ($26) in the Asahi Super Dry Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m). Sherry is still a chance to bring up the half century of winners this season for the fourth time in his career, needing seven winners over the remaining three weeks of the season.
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Tom Sherry's up-and-down career made breakthrough Group 1 all the more satisfying
Tom Sherry admits there were times when he thought his day would never come – but Sydney's newest Group 1 jockey is hungry to capitalise now it has. The Irish-born hoop and former champion Sydney apprentice has always had the talent to succeed on racing's biggest stage. But he was forced to wait patiently for the chance to show what he was capable of at the top level. • 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! Last month that moment arrived in the most memorable of fashion when Sherry, now back riding in Sydney, snared a maiden Group 1 Tatt's Tiara triumph on Tashi. 'There was probably a while where I thought it wasn't going to happen so it was a bit surreal when it did,' Sherry said. 'Riding in Sydney is tough but when the Group 1s roll around, it's quite hard to get the quality in those races. 'That was probably my first chance on a horse that had a really big chance of winning a Group 1 race.' Sherry's story has been told before but it's worth recounting just how far he's come. The 26-year-old came to Australia in 2018 with no intention of riding after losing his licence in his home country. It wasn't long before he found his way back to racing and the talented hoop was quick to build momentum. He rode close to 100 winners in his first full season under the tutelage of former Randwick trainer Mark Newnham before adding his name to one of Sydney's most prestigious honour rolls, winning the 2020-21 metropolitan apprentices premiership. 'When I first started riding it all came really quick,' Sherry said. 'I think it was 95 winners my first season here which is pretty crazy and it snowballed year after year. 'Through my apprenticeship it all happened really fast and I didn't have time to reflect. 'Since becoming a professional. It opened my eyes a little more and probably maturity, I am 26 now. I am still a young man I suppose but I've learnt a lot.' The transition from apprentice to senior rider is one of the toughest in racing and has proven to be the undoing countless champion apprentices. It was a jump that took Sherry by surprise. 'Being champion apprentice, it's like being a big fish in a small pond at that stage and when you become a professional, I didn't realise how much of a jump it took,' Sherry said. 'It took a little while. 'Obviously with Mark Newnham going to Hong Kong, who was a big supporter of mine, was a hit as a came a professional because he was my main supporter. 'It took time to balance out but there's where Peter Snowden stepped in and hopefully winning the Group 1 can help get that bit more support and trainers for putting me on.' "It's Tashi's tiara!" ðŸ'' Tashi brings the blessings today and wins the Tatt's Tiara for @SnowdenRacing1, and doesn't @tomo_sherry love it, a Group 1 win! 🙌 @BrisRacingClub — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 28, 2025 That Group 1 came in the final major of the season last month. At his 20th Group 1 ride, Sherry finally got his moment to savour when Tashi blitzed rivals to score an emphatic victory in the Tatt's Tiara at Eagle Farm. 'Obviously getting it the win for Peter Snowden was extra special and it's obviously been a goal of mine,' Sherry said. 'Peter has been great to me for a number of years now. He has been quite loyal and showed me good support from when I was an apprentice until now. 'It was extra special to get it for him.' The win was only made better by the fact he's fiance Danika Losty was on track to celebrate. They've been together for eight years and have shared in Sherry's rollercoaster racing journey together. 'She has seen all the ups and downs and highs and lows,' Sherry said. 'It was special to have her there and celebrate with her. 'My family in Ireland, I Facetimed them after the races and it was 7am and they were drinking champagne so they celebrated too.' Sherry renewed his successful partnership with Snowden at the midweeks with promising three-year-old filly Infusion scoring stylishly on debut at Canterbury Park. They hit the target again on Thursday at Gosford with exciting filly Nazwah producing a dominant debut success. On Saturday, they can keep momentum flowing at Royal Randwick with in-form galloper Cassiel in the The Agency Real Estate Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m). Cassiel, a $4.40 equal favourite, had earned a crack in Saturday company after scoring impressive at Canterbury and Hawkesbury to start this preparation. Sherry was aboard last start when the son of Harry Angel carried 61kg to victory in an 1100m event. 'The horse is flying,' Sherry said. 'He is going really well and hopefully the track continues to dry up a little more because that's only going to benefit him. 'He can't be going any better, he is two from two this preparation and won well there at Hawkesbury last start. 'I think he is definitely up to Saturday grade.' Wow, look at Nazwah go! 😮 An impressive win to the @SnowdenRacing1 - trained filly at @gosford_races with @tomo_sherry in the saddle! ðŸ'¨ @EmiratesPark — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 10, 2025 Sherry believes the Ron Quinton-trained Watch My Girl ($17) is capable of bouncing back to her best in the TAB Benchmark 88 Handicap (1400m). The daughter of Maurice has missed the placings at both starts this prep. 'She is a mare that has form in previous preparation and probably hasn't come up as well as she could do but she is in the right race for her,' Sherry said. 'She has the right gate from the right gate. 'If she can show her best, she is definitely in with a chance.' Sherry's day kicks off on Royal Teens ($61) is in the TAB Highway Class 3 Plate (1600m) while connecting with Agita ($18) in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1600m). He connects with a couple of outside chances for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald with Shahzad ($18) in the Eremein Benchmark 88 Handicap (1800m) and Extraordinaire ($26) in the Precise Air Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). A hat-trick of victories will be on offer for Who Ever Thought ($26) in the Asahi Super Dry Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m). Sherry is still a chance to bring up the half century of winners this season for the fourth time in his career, needing seven winners over the remaining three weeks of the season.
South China Morning Post
07-07-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Matthew Chadwick ‘giving it his best' as Tony Cruz Award reaches the business end
Matthew Chadwick is hoping to make his move in the race for the Tony Cruz Award with a strong book of rides headlined by Bravehearts in the feature Class Two Begonia Handicap (1,800m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The 34-year-old will arrive to the Valley on the 34-winner mark for the campaign, just two behind leader Matthew Poon Ming-fai and one ahead of fellow hopeful Derek Leung Ka-chun in the race to be the season's leading local jockey. Chadwick is hunting down a second Tony Cruz Award and has picked up one of Poon's regular rides, Bravehearts, in what could be a cruel twist of fate for Poon. A three-time winner at Sha Tin this season, the Mark Newnham-trained six-year-old has been in consistent form since the most recent of those successes back in December. Here comes the favourite! 😤 Argentine Group 1 winner Bravehearts continues his rise with a third win in Hong Kong and first in Class 2 at Sha Tin under Matthew Poon for Mark Newnham... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 29, 2024 Last time out, Bravehearts came from a long way back to be narrowly denied in a tricky Class Three over 2,000m at Sha Tin and he will make just his second appearance at the city circuit on Wednesday. 'Matthew Poon is not on Bravehearts because he was meant to pick up another ride I think, but that didn't happen so it's frustrating for him,' said Chadwick. 'But it's a nice ride to pick up, he's not drawn very well, like many of my rides so I'll have to work it out from there. The pace looks to be even so I'll hope to get a smooth run into it and see what he can do late. 'He's been racing consistently so the switch in tracks should be fine. I haven't ridden him before so I'm just going to go in with hopes high and give him the best ride that I can.' HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. It is a busy evening for Chadwick with rides in eight of the nine races, including last-start winner Superb Capitalist in the Class Three Briar Handicap (1,000m). Superb Capitalist gets up late at Happy Valley. The Capitalist galloper won the Class Three St George's Challenge Cup (1,000m) on his most recent start, getting up in the shadows of the post in a race marred by the incident that saw Seasons Wit go amiss in the final 100m. That win off a rating of 74 was his first victory since May 2024, where he rattled off a pair of successes rated 75 and 86. The draw is not a plus point to his chances, but Chadwick is hopeful of a big run from the five-year-old. 'He had a soft draw last time and everything went his way - obviously the accident during the race was really unfortunate but the horse did what he had to do,' said Chadwick. 'He's got to carry more weight this time and the draw is a bit of a bump in the road, so I'll have to see where I slot in and take it from there.' Matthew Chadwick is within striking distance of the Tony Cruz Award. Chadwick claimed the Tony Cruz Award in the 2021-22 season and with just the three meetings left, this year's fight is almost certain to go down to the final meeting. And for Chadwick, luck is going to play a huge part in who eventually comes out on top. 'I think for all of us we just look to start the season strongly and then at this point of the season, we know where we stand and it becomes a bit more of a target and jumps up from the backs of our minds,' said Chadwick. 'We'll all give it our best shot I'm sure. I guess it will come down to the draws and the circumstances of the races for everyone.'
South China Morning Post
27-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Matthew Chadwick eager to maintain momentum in Tony Cruz Award pursuit: ‘I'm in that striking range now'
Jockey Matthew Chadwick is looking to continue his strong form at Sha Tin on Saturday. Photo: Kenneth Chan Fresh off a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, Matthew Chadwick heads to Sha Tin on Saturday looking to continue his good form and pursuit of Tony Cruz Award leader Matthew Poon Ming-fai. By moving to 34 wins for the season with victories aboard Superb Capitalist and Another Zonda, Chadwick closed to within two of Poon in the race for leading local jockey and he has 10 chances to trim the gap even further this weekend. 'I know where we're standing, so it is on my mind,' said Chadwick of the award named after his former boss and which he won in 2021-22. 'You can only play the cards you're dealt, so we'll just do our best and hopefully circumstances permit and we can ride as many winners as possible until the end of the season. 'I started off the season well and then I had a bit of a lull in the holiday season and it has slowly picked back up. I'm in that striking range now, so we'll just have to see. Hopefully we'll be right in the finish when it comes.' Smart sprinter, Magic Control! 🔥@blake_shinn's on the board early at Sha Tin as Cody Mo's speedster roars to a third win in Hong Kong ahead of a quality Class 2 field... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 Chadwick has picked up the ride aboard Full Credit in the absence of the injured Lyle Hewitson and he gives the Mark Newnham-trained galloper some chance in Saturday's feature, the eight-runner Class One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (1,000m). 'It's a very interesting race. It's a small field with some decent horses in it. Obviously Magic Control is back to the 1,000m, which is where he is best, and Wunderbar has come back really well. I think the weather will play a part,' said Chadwick. 'Full Credit trialled pretty well the other day. He's obviously had that [throat] surgery but he has performed well on all surfaces and he ran third to [Magic Control] earlier in the season. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. 'With the light weight [of 120lb], I wouldn't count him out. I haven't ridden him before so I'll just be going in thinking he's got every chance. I'll do my best on him.' Also among Chadwick's book are last-start winners Dragon Air Force and Tsuen Wan Glory, as well as the in-form Storm Runner. Meanwhile, Hewitson confirmed Thursday night's surgery on the fractured wrist and ankle he suffered when falling from Seasons Wit on Wednesday was a success.
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Mark Newnham confident ‘fantastic' Spicy Gold can continue consistent Happy Valley streak
Spicy Gold (purple colours) gets up close to home at Happy Valley in March. Photos: Kenneth Chan Mark Newnham is hoping his ultra-consistent Spicy Gold can collect another cheque in the Class Three Seine Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Alexis Badel has built up a brilliant partnership with Newnham's So You Think galloper, who has won three of his nine starts this season. After ending last campaign with a Class Four course and distance win, Spicy Gold has gone from strength to strength this term, doubling up on return in the same grade. He completed a track and trip Class Four hat-trick on his next start, lashing down the outside in taking style after a patient ride from Badel. Spicy Gold gets there! Mark Newnham's galloper returns a fourth course and distance win with @AlexisBadel, capping a double for the trainer tonight... 🔥#HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 5, 2025 After two seconds in Class Three company, he broke through at the fifth attempt, once again diving late after sitting on the shoulder of the leader throughout the journey. Spicy Gold will arrive on the back of another good second and Newnham does not see any reason the good times will not keep rolling. 'He's probably the most consistent horse in my stable – he hasn't missed a cheque all season, winning four times since July,' said Newnham. 'He's finished second three times too and even when he didn't place, he still collected some prize money. 'He's been fantastic all season [and] for all that now he probably has found his right mark on 75. Three of his wins have been in Class Four so to be on 75 and only winning in Class Three once, he's probably near the peak of his powers. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. Mark Newnham celebrates after Spicy Gold's most recent Happy Valley win. 'He's got some gate speed so he can put himself in a good position from a decent draw. He's not showing me any signs that he won't hold his form again and he's in a nice race against horses similar to him.' Newnham also runs Tactical Command in the Class Four Ciron Handicap (1,200m), who has snared a pair of wins this season over the track and trip. He arrived fast and late to grab both of those wins, most recently when saluting at $12 with a strong late surge under Badel. Things have not gone to plan since, with barriers 11 at Sha Tin and 12 at the Valley putting paid to his chances before the gates had even opened. Tactical Command goes over the top to win at the Valley in March. Much to the relief of Newnham, his Charm Spirit gelding has drawn barrier four this Wednesday, which is giving him plenty of cause for optimism. 'The draw makes a big difference. The statistics tell you that it's nearly impossible to win from stall 12 at the Valley so he was always up against it last time,' said Newnham. 'He's won four races, with the draws being one, one, two and four for those, so that tells you how crucial the draw is for him. Trainer Mark Newnham has built up a good partnership with jockey Alexis Badel. 'He doesn't have enough pace to go forward from outside draws, but when he draws inside he can take up a nice position. 'The handicapper has him pegged pretty well with where he's at – he's certainly improved this season but has paid for his consistency. 'That said, he's got a good chance because he's holding his form well and has drawn in the perfect place – inside barriers are absolutely crucial to him. 'Alexis Badel's strike rate for the stable has been excellent, he rides Happy Valley well and gets on well with him, so that helps too.'
