RACING
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STAR Sydney-based jockey Tye Angland enjoyed a successful trip home by claiming the jockey's challenge at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Tuesday.
Angland returned home to ride at Wagga for the first time since 2011 and claimed a winning double to take out the $1000 prize at the special jockey's challenge race meeting.
With his mum and grandma in Wagga along with his dad and step-mum at Wantabadgery, Angland jumped at the chance to ride at the MTC meeting after such a long time away.
He used the time to catch up with family and friends before punching home debutant Fasuka and 10-year-old Gunner to first-up victories.
"I haven't been home in over 12 months since I've been home so it's good to come back, see family and ride a couple of winners," Angland said.
"It was good to get support straight away, obviously getting a few rides from Bede Murray and it was great to get a couple of winners for Matty Dale and Brad Witt."
Angland has not long returned from a stint in Hong Kong where he enjoyed a fourth-place finish in the jockey's premiership.
He has been quick to make his mark on Sydney racing since his return and currently sits equal third on the metropolitan premiership.
"I'm really happy with how I've been going," he said.
"Chris Waller has been my main supporter since I've been back and everyone knows how strong he is going at the moment.
"Anthony Cummings has been great as well and his horses are just coming to their peak at the moment.
"I'm happy with the place I'm in coming into the carnival."
Angland produced a top ride to get home Fasuka ($5.00) in the Join The MTC's 100 Club Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate (1200m).
He then got Gunner ($10) home first-up for Brad Witt to score by 2¼ lengths in the Gundillawah Pastoral Co Benchmark 65 Handicap (1300m).
Witt was thrilled to see Gunner return in such strong fashion.
"He's a 10-year-old but he's like a two-year-old," Witt said.
"He loves it. He's push-button, he's just the perfect horse.
"He'll still get out over a trip, he gets a bit dour.
"We'll just go wherever he's comfortable."
Angland edged out Andy Bloomfield to take out the jockey's challenge by three points.
MTC jockey's challenge
Final leaderboard
Tye Angland 20
Andy Bloomfield 17
Mathew Cahill 16
Michael Heagney 12
Points system
First place = 6 points
Second place = 4 points
Third place = 3 points
Unplaced = 1 point