By Tony McMahon
Justin Stanley’s name has been absent from race books around Central and North Queensland as of late.
Stanley, one of Queensland’s most popular and dedicated jockeys, is taking some well-earned rest and recouperation after months of travelling across the state to ride on the provincial circuit.
His long-term manager and friend Don Terry explained why Justin has not been seen among the riding ranks for the last month.
“He’s having a break from riding more so out of wear and tear,” he said.
“A few old niggling shoulder and knee injuries have been flaring up and causing discomfort.
“He had a couple of whacks (in the barriers) and wisely decided to take a break until late October or early November.”
Stanley has maintained a regimented disciplined, albeit demanding, race riding schedule week in and week out over the last few seasons with his only breaks enforced through injuries.
He has not ridden at Callaghan Park, where he has been a perennial dominant force, since August 1.
To place into perspective Justin’s commitment to riding, he stayed over in Rockhampton that night so as to ride at Callaghan Park barrier trials the next morning thereby assisting his connections.
Between the five weeks period from July 1 until August 7, the Brisbane-based hoop had 72 race rides stretching from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gympie and Caloundra which netted him 13 winners.
Last season, Stanley with excess of 1500 winners on his CV, rode 94 triumphs, finishing fourth on the Queensland premiership ladder.
In Stanley’s absence, other FIFO jockeys from South East Queensland have emerged on the Rockhampton TAB race scene.
These include Jackson Murphy and apprentice Melea Castle, while the Gold Coast’s Jason Taylor has successfully recommitted to the northern circuit.