Cormack Aces Cluden with Four Win Haul

Sunshine Coast jockey Sean Cormack has seen plenty of action in his riding career so it’s not surprising he’s taking a no-fuss approach to a hot run of form in the saddle.

The veteran hoop had a day to remember at Cluden Park on Saturday, booting home a season best haul of four winners.

Cormack, a multiple Group 1 winning rider in his native South Africa, has zoomed up the Townsville premiership standings to second with 10 wins, just two behind pace setter Aidan Holt.

He’s also sixth on the State jockeys’ ladder with 49 wins and on target for one of his best seasons in years.

But the highly professional hoop was down playing his run of form and a stunning day on Saturday.

“I don’t really look at premierships to be honest. Even when I was younger it wasn’t a big thing for me,” Cormack said.

“I’m just making a living like the other boys coming up.

“They’re a good bunch of boys and they really do it tough.

“I enjoy coming north and because of the people I ride for, more so in Cairns for Tom Hedley and Fred Wieland, it has probably made me focus on keeping those connections going and going well.

“I’m really happy and in a good place riding for good people and with a good bunch of guys and I seem to every now and again get a really nice horse down in Brisbane and it’s good fun.”

Cormack was in brilliant touch on the weekend claiming wins on roughie Ohh Errol, the promising Mind Over Matter, Obligated and Corbusier on a day when trainer Clinton Taylor and fellow Brisbane jockey Ron Stewart also fired, combining for a winning treble.

It was Cormack’s second win on Obligated in as many rides and he was glowing in his praise for the Lyle Wright-trained gelding win in the Brothers Leagues Club Open Hcp (1200m).

“I thought he was the best horse in the race and it worked out really nicely from a sticky draw,” Cormack said.

“When he’s at his best he will be competitive at a higher level. 

“I also like Mind Over Matter. Terry was very bullish about him and said you’ll really like this horse when I won on him first start in the maiden.

“He was spot on with everything. The horse is an absolute professional.

“Today it was quite a big step up in grade for him I thought.  To come out of a maiden and do what he did, it’s looking good for him.”

Cormack produced a rails-hugging ride to win on Ohh Errol in the Top Shelf Training Mdn Plate (1300m) for Barcaldine trainer Toni Schofield while his win on Corbusier in the Kirwan Sports Club C6 Plate (1000m) continued a successful relationship with Cairns trainer Fred Wieland.

Rockhampton trainer Clinton Taylor and jockey Ron Sewart were popular with punters when short-priced favourites Lady Willpower, Old Gold and Heart ‘N’ Power all claimed smart wins.