TOP Wagga jockey John Kissick and Canberra counterpart Brendan Ward made Men of League raceday their own on Saturday as they combined to win six of the seven races at Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
Kissick and Ward both enjoyed winning trebles on a busy seven-race card at Wagga.
Kissick won the first two races of the day on Wild Ginger ($3.60) and Vinnie Vega ($2.90) before finishing the day with the last winner, Mr Fox ($6.00).
In between, Ward dominated as he combined with Goulburn trainer Danny Williams for wins on Shutter Bug ($1.30) and Ashjata ($2.50), and also won on Game of Shadows ($8.00).
It was Kissick’s first treble since Narrandera Cup day last year and he was confident he was in for a big day at the races.
“I was, on paper I had a lot of good rides,” Kissick said.
“Vinnie Vega got a bit lost at his first start but still went well. It wasn’t an overly strong race (on Saturday) but he still won well.
“My first winner (Wild Ginger), I knew it was out of me and Danny Williams’ horse and he had a bit tougher run.
“And Mr Fox’s form had been better than it reads.
“It worked out good. It was a really good day and it had been a while.”
Kissick rated the win of Vinnie Vega best, as he scored by a length in the Riverina Hotel Maiden Handicap (1000m).
A three-year-old gelding from the Kym Davison stable at Albury, Vinnie Vega ran second on debut at Albury heading into the race at Wagga.
“He learnt a lot from his last run at Albury and it was only his second start (on Saturday) so he’s got a lot of upside,” Kissick said.
“He travelled well outside the leader and gave a really good kick.
“He’s a nice horse.”
After sharing the Southern District jockey’s premiership last season, Kissick has started the season well again.
He said he would love some more winners closer to home.
“It’s going good, I would like a few more winners in this area though,” he said.
“I’d been riding a few at Goulburn and places like that.
“I’m working hard so hopefully I’ll get the results.”
The feature race on Saturday, the Group Nine Men of League Cup – Benchmark 56 Handicap (2500m) went the way of Surzeal ($4.60) for Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland and jockey Nick Souquet.
Souquet ensured it was a true staying test, taking off from the 600 and holding off Victorian visitor Rock Icon ($15) by a half length.
It was Surzeal’s first victory since March last year after spending more than a year off the scene.
Game Of Shadows won the League of their Own Mile.
