Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

No celebrations planned if Butler wins Mackay Newmarket

13 July 2022

Share this page

Share on a platform

Or copy the page link

By Glenn Davis

There’ll definitely be no celebrations for Ash Butler if Rockhampton flyer Absolut Artie can give the heavy weight jockey his first win in the Newmarket Handicap at Mackay on Friday.

The 30-year-old Butler suffered a badly broken jaw earlier this year following his biggest career win aboard Emerald Kingdom in The Archer at Callaghan Park in May.

His injuries were so serious he had to be flown to Brisbane for surgery with five fractures.

“I’ll definitely won’t be going out if Absolut Artie wins the Newmarket,” Butler said.

IMG-8231.JPG

“But, it’s not just because of what happened after The Archer.

“I’ve got a few rides the next day at Thangool including Marway, who was originally going to run in the Newmarket on Friday.

“But, he’s going around in the Open out there before he goes up to Townsville for the Cleveland Bay.

“I’ve never won either of the Mackay features, in the Newmarket or Cup, but Absolut Artie is a chance if he can find his best form.”

Butler has had a handful of rides in the Newmarket Handicap with his best result aboard Last Chance, who finished third to Brisbane sprinter Right Or Wrong in last year’s feature.

Absolut Artie’s biggest win was in the 2020 Rockhampton Cup but his form since has dropped away.

In 14 subsequent starts, Absolut Artie has won three times with his latest victory over 1300 metres at Rockhampton in December of last year.

At his last appearance, the soon to be seven-year-old finished last in a field of five over 1400 metres at Rockhampton when he was beaten less than three lengths by the Jim O’Shea-trained Barachiel.

“He has been a bit disappointing since he won the Rockhampton Cup a few years ago but he’s going okay now,” Butler said.

“He had a big preparation when he won the Rocky Cup but I think Mackay is really his track.

“I’ve won six races on him and he’ll take some beating if he’s near his best.

“He’s a far better horse when he leads as he likes to just roll along.”

Absolute Artie has drawn barrier 16 and will lump 58kgs in the Newmarket Handicap, which won’t bother Butler. 

“I used to ride around 59kgs before I was hit but I’m now riding 57kgs so the incident has extended what rides I now get,” Butler said.