Goulburn 4kg-claiming apprentice Dale Cole, aka the ‘Cole Train’, has turned heads and hearts with a winning double at Goulburn on Thursday.
At only his second day at the races Cole was able to engineer two wins from his three raceday rides on his home track.
Apprentice jockey Dale Cole is interviewed at Goulburn on Thursday
Using his 4kg claim to full advantage Cole displayed plenty of catch me if you can nous in sprint races on two progressive tablelands-trained gallopers.
Let's Go Brandon (Wayne Hudd), like Cole, had limited raceday experience but combined well with the young hoop to win Race 2, the Brad Writer Constructions Handicap over 1000m.
Later in the day Coles’ mentor Danny Williams kept the faith, legging Cole aboard Chemtrail in Race 6 the Electel Services Country Boosted B58 Hcp.
Despite being slow out, horse and rider didn’t panic, overcoming a wide gate to record a dominant two and a quarter length win.
Cole's arrival as a raceday winner is a popular result up Goulburn way, the young hoop having overcome a serious trackwork accident that almost derailed his racing ambitions before they started.
In a post-race interview with Sky Racing Cole touched on the tough road back to riding let alone contemplating winning on raceday.
“To be honest I didn’t think I’d get back ... but it’s good to be back! It took twelve months to get back on a horse,” Cole said.
Goulburn Race Club's CEO Robyn Fife said it was easily the day’s highlight.
“It was a fingers’ crossed type of day for our racing community here at Goulburn as we knew Dale had rides on some good chances,” Ms Fife said.
“It’s great he’s been able to continue to work with Danny Williams, get back to racing and breakthrough for an early win, as a club we wish him all the best career wise.”
Goulburn hosts more autumn racing on Friday 30th May with nominations closing at 11am on Monday 26th May.