Justin Elkins strikes for father in Marburg return

By Jordan Gerrans

Queensland reinsman Justin Elkins was chuffed on a few fronts to land a winner at Marburg on Sunday afternoon.

Firstly, it was for his father Greg behind Skylar Bree.

Secondly, it was his first winner since the 2023 season.

And, thirdly, he was able to fit comfortably into his driving pants to score the victory aboard the brown mare.

Justin has stepped away from regular driving over the past few years and has focused his attention on working as an electrician.

He will take the odd race day engagement every now and again when time allows, which he did on Sunday afternoon around Marburg.

It was just his fifth drive of the 2026 season.

As Justin has only taken 42 drives in races since the 2023 campaign, the 27-year-old says he has battled with his weight at times in recent years.

So, it was a goal of his to shed a few kilograms, by cutting down on the beers and going for a few runs, so he can get back into the winner’s stall a little more often.

“I haven't been driving because I haven't been able to fit into my pants, actually,” Justin said.

“So, I've always said if I can't fit in, I'm not going to drive. I haven't been driving for that reason.

“I didn't want to hop on because I wasn't happy with myself and I didn't want to weigh the horses down, anyway.

“I have lost a bit of weight, so it was good to be back out there.”

Justin was a consistent driver in the Sunshine State earlier in his tenure in the industry, driving at least 25 winners for four straight seasons between 2018 and 2022.

After starting from one on the front line, Justin was able lead throughout with Skylar Bree over 1850 metres on Sunday.

The six-year-old mare had it all her own way in front and was able to get her nose down on the line ahead of Checkingoutthebill for reinsman Adam Richardson.

Justin says the draw was key to Skylar Bree’s win, which was her first since February at Redcliffe.

“She's just thereabouts,” he said.

“That's sort of her grade. When she gets the right draw around Marburg, she puts in and has a go.

“So, it all worked out well on Sunday, anyway. 

"All the horses in that grade, when they get the draw to suit, they always run a good race.

“But, it's just hanging out and wait for that draw.

“There were probably a few better horses than what she has been racing even in the race on Sunday, but just the draw around Marburg makes a big difference.”

Justin also drove Pumpkin Pat for his 68-year-old father on Sunday’s Marburg program with the mare finishing back in the field.

Justin is the younger brother of Queensland trainer and driver Matt Elkins, who is enjoying a career-best season in 2026.

The Elkins’ father Greg has faced significant health challenges in recent years, but is back fighting fit with his team of horses.

Skylar Bree’s win on Sunday was his fifth for the term with Justin estimating it was his first victory for his father since March of 2023 with Congo Line at Albion Park.

“It'd been a long time between drinks for me and Dad together,” he said.

“Dad is happy to be back around the horses, he has all his strength back now and it makes him happy, doing what he loves.”