I am riding well now
RECORD holder for the most wins in a single racing season (172), Trevor ‘Slicer’ Simpson is of the view that he is now riding with more confidence and that hard work and dedication over the last three or so months have made a big difference in winning races.
“Once you are comfortable and have confidence you can win a lot of races. I believe that hard work and dedication will determine the outcome of any race. Once you work hard and put your mind to it then all things are possible,” the former champion jockey said with an obvious look of determination on his face.
The man known as ‘Slicer’ to his many adoring fans said while winning races he will always have one eye on the jockeys’ championship.
“My main focus right now is to win more races but as long as I am getting the rides and winning races the jockeys’ championship is
without a doubt on my mind and a target. I am planning to win as many races as possible, as I am riding in better form of late,” he said.
Although it is still early days yet, Simpson is in fifth position in the jockeys’ table with three winners, which is just four wins behind the leader Dick Cardenas with seven wins and the two-time and defending champion Dane Nelson in second position on six winners.
Simpson OD demonstrated why he won five championships and why he can be in line to contest for the title when he rode a patient and well thought out race on Exotic Gold for Wayne DaCosta last Saturday over 1600 metres. Exotic Gold was a chance ride for Simpson as Nelson did not ride on the day.
“This was a patient ride, I just broke her (Exotic Gold) well and just waited for the last 300 metres and just let her run her race,” the five-time champion said.
Simpson, who started riding at the park in 1986, said while he is not attached to any one stable he had no difficulties securing rides.
“At present, I am not confirmed to any stable but the rides are not difficult to come by. I ride for every trainer and we get along good, so the issue is not about the rides, it is just about winning the races,” he explained.
