Manager Pays Off For Berry Jockey

24 June 2000

Berry apprentice Scott Pollard's decision to employ a manager has him on the verge of carrying off a swag of riding titles this season.

With a little more than a month left in the season Pollard heads the jockeys' title race at Nowra and is close to securing the apprentice's crown at Kembla Grange.

It's been a heady ride for Pollard, 27, who has been riding competitively for just two years.

And his partnership with new manager Rob Tweedie has further boosted the former roof tiler's career in the saddle.

Tweedie contacted Pollard soon after the apprentice was sidelined by a bad fall at Berry Showground earlier this year.

The Batemans Bay-based bloodstock agent's offer was quickly snapped up by Pollard and he hasn't looked back.

``I reckon Rob has just about trebled the number of rides I've been getting," Pollard said. ``We talk every day about how I went at the races and it's been a very successful association so far for both of us."

Pollard resumes from a four-meeting suspension at Newcastle today and the next three days will be crucial in his quest for riding honours.

He has a good book of rides at Canberra tomorrow and seven mounts at Monday's Nowra meeting. He leads all the senior jockeys in the chase for the Nowra title and goes into Monday's meeting seven points clear of nearest rival Bobby El'Issa.

Pollard's 31 winners this season is testimony to his improvement.

``It's been a good year. I'm leading at Nowra and just a couple of points off the lead for top apprentice at Kembla. The Kembla title is one I really want to win, but Nowra would be a nice bonus," he said.

Whatever the end result, Pollard plans to take his winning ways to the city after the season ends on July 31. He's yet to ride a winner in town, although his strike rate of placings is very high.

``I really want to attack the city in the new season," he said. ``I believe I'll be ready tstake my claim in town in the new season."


Back to News Index | Back to Home