Johnston-Porter Raring To Go
There won’t be a more excited jockey than Clint Johnston-Porter at Belmont on Wednesday.
The young rider makes his much-anticipated return to city racing after seven months on the sideline
Johnston-Porter suffered serious injuries in an accident at Bunbury in March, fracturing a vertebrae after a fall on Burger Time in the South West Autumn Cup (2219m).
“It’s been a long time since it happened and it’s been a slow process,” Johnston-Porter told The Races WA.
“But I feel better than ever and can’t wait to get back in the saddle.”
Johnston-Porter, stable jockey for leading trainer, Dan Morton, returned to riding track work a couple of weeks back and has ridden in 10 trials.
The 21-year-old says he is feeling fit and ready.
“It’s been a process of getting not used to riding to now going back to the process of working every day,” Johnston-Porter said.
“I’m feeling fit and I’m very excited.”
Johnston-Porter will take a low key approach with two rides at Belmont: Nocelle in race five and Lady Sass in the seventh
Nocelle won her opening two races as a two-year-old including the Crystal Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Ascot.
The More Than Ready mare has not raced since running seventh to False Statement last June.
Drawn in barrier nine she is a $5.50 chance in the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet Handicap (1200m).
Lady Sass won two races in February and finished fourth to Regal Power in the WA Derby (2400m).
The four-year-old, $9.50 with Tabtouch, has drawn gate nine in the Salinger Handicap (1300m).
“She is a very nice horse and an up and comer,” Johnston-Porter said.
“Hopefully this prep she can make the stable star.
“I rode both last Tuesday and they are going well.
“I think they are both good chances, especially Lady Sass.”
Julio Santarelli