Jag's chance at the big dance

By Jordan Gerrans

Just over a year ago, Jag Guthmann-Chester would have hardly envisioned riding regularly in town during the carnival was on the horizon for him – let alone going into a Group 1 with a live chance.

The popular Gold Coast-based rider was comfortable ticking along at the provincial level in the Sunshine State, picking up his fair share of winners at the secondary meeting on a Saturday.

The talent was never a question for the 26-year-old hoop.

But, when you are on the heavier side and your commitment to your craft at times is being queried, that does not usually lead to success at the metropolitan level.

In late March of last year, a pair of Group 1-winning riders labelled Guthmann-Chester as the most underrated jockey in the Sunshine State.

Leading Brisbane hoop Ryan Maloney and top jockey-turned-trainer Peter Robl identified him while Micheal Hellyer also went into bat for Guthmann-Chester.

On Saturday, after a year or so of dedication, hard work and sacrifice, the talented jockey walks into Eagle Farm with his eyes on grabbing his first victory at the highest-level aboard Beau Dazzler in the Queensland Derby. 

“Where I was 12 to 18 months ago, I wasn’t sure if I would ever be given these opportunities in town or to be riding in Group races,” Guthmann-Chester said.

Former leading hoop Robl, who Guthmann-Chester does plenty of riding for, was particularly ruthless in his assessment of the jockey.

“Jag is probably a bit too casual to be in the top half-a-dozen jockeys,” Robl said at the time. 

“If he gets his work ethic up a bit race riding and he would certainly be up there with the best of them.”

In the space of just over 12 months, Guthmann-Chester has almost completely turned around those evaluations.    

He is a regular face riding trackwork in Brisbane to push for metropolitan opportunities while also diving into his boxing and Muay Thai training.

He is also pounding the pavement for long runs.

“I was pretty content with where I was at, I was obviously riding plenty of winners and was being busy,” the talented hoop reflected.

“But, I didn’t have the drive or motivation. I was content with where I was.

“The change occurred following a good season on the provincials where I rode for the right people – it really motivated me.

“While I am young, I believed I could do better and wanted to have a good crack at being in town.

“It came with maturity and dedicating myself to the sport a little bit more.”

Guthmann-Chester rode 84 winners at a tick over 19% strike-rate in the 2023-24 season, with most of those on the country and provincial circuit.

While his total of winners and strike-rate are lower this campaign, he has tasted his maiden Group-level success in the saddle with plenty more chances to come.

He was in the gym on the Gold Coast with his trainer Cassidy Haberfield on Monday morning at Nerang and has he prepares for the biggest chance of his riding career.

Guthmann-Chester set himself a goal a year ago to cement himself as a metropolitan-level jockey and with a Group 1 title beckoning, he has every chance of locking himself into the city for the foreseeable future.

The hoop believes the winners have flowed from training hard, being fit and healthy as well as being in the right mindset to succeed. 

“It is very important, at the races you need to be fit and sharp, not just physically but mentally, as well,” Guthmann-Chester said.

“When you are a little heavier and you are cutting weight, it can take a toll on you.

“The fitter you are the better you perform and your recovery is better after each race.

“With what I do, it helps keep me sharp with decision making and doing my boxing, it is really good for my mental state, it keeps you sharp.”

The Sears and Archibald stables have particularly been strong backers of Guthmann-Chester throughout the 2024-25 season.

He also rode Belegato to victory for Liam Birchley in last Saturday’s Darby McCarthy feature event at Doomben.

The Tony and Maddysen Sears-prepared Beau Dazzler has provided Guthmann-Chester with a couple of his greatest triumphs in the saddle so far.

The progressive stayer claimed the Group 3 Grand Prix in the middle of December last year before grabbing the Eagle Way at his next start.

Co-trainer Maddysen flagged a Derby path was on the cards for their colt earlier this year. 

“I think he put his hand up easily as probably one of Queensland’s best three-year-olds with what he has done in recent times,” Maddysen said.

“He has won on a Heavy 10 and a Good 4 – he is very talented.”

Guthmann-Chester was only booked to ride Beau Dazzler at his start prior to the Group 3 Grand Prix and the co-trainers have stuck with him since.

That includes his last two runs where he has prepared for the Derby by running in the Queensland Guineas and Rough Habit Plate.

“I am just very pleased that Tony and Maddy have showed their loyalty to me, they have wanted to stick with me and keep me on,” the jockey said.

“They have given me these opportunities through carnival time in these bigger races.

“To have a Group 1 ride, it is pretty special.

“You never know what is around the corner and what door will open for you.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, Beau Dazzler is a $15 shot in the Derby after drawing barrier eight.

The seven horses ahead of Beau Dazzler in the market are all prepared from outside of the Sunshine State.

“I think it will take a pretty decent horse to get past him in the Queensland Derby,” Maddysen said.

“He is a very good horse.”

A few days out from his biggest opportunity of his career, Guthmann-Chester has his mind on the job.

“At the moment, every day, I have been manifesting and doing all the right things,” he said.

“Just trying to fill myself with a lot of confidence that if we can go out there and get the job done – it would be surreal.

“This horse has been the highlight of my career so far.”

Following Saturday’s Derby, Maddysen has flagged the stable’s intention to travel the stayer interstate later this year.