Hamblin helps Nythe break maiden at 41st attempt

By Jordan Gerrans

Trainer Mark Patterson has credited a quiet word of advice from respected hoop Paul Hamblin for finally being able to break Nythe’s maiden status at his 41st start.

There are not many gallopers still punching around the bush in the Sunshine State after 40 winless starts, but that is exactly what Nythe has been doing in recent weeks.

Charleville trainer Patterson prepares the seven-year-old gelding for his partner Annette Barwick, who owns him.

The son of Territories had recorded six minor placings before he lined up at Roma on Saturday.

Nythe finally broke through at his 41st race start and did so in devastating fashion, scoring by more than seven lengths.

And, while Darren Evans was the pilot on Saturday, Patterson also praised the guidance of fellow hoop Hamblin in relation to the win.

“He'd been working super and was unlucky not to win a race before now,” Patterson said.

“He should have won one pretty much straight away for me.

“Paul rode him at Blackall two starts back and said that the horse was switching off in the middle stages of the race and that he needed blinkers.

“Paul thought I should put him over the jumps during the week in between his races. 

"So, I just put him in the sand roll, I just put the blinkers on him and I just schooled him over the jumps for a week.

“And, then I did the same again the following week, which has helped him as he has come out and won for the first time.

“I've really got to thank Paul, it's really switched him on. He's a ripper, Paul.”

Nythe made his debut in September of 2023 and claimed his first career triumph over 1200 metres on Saturday.

Nythe has been in the Charleville trainer’s care since late last year and Saturday’s effort was his 10th for the stable.

The 43-year-old Patterson also saved some admiration for Evans, who was in the saddle in the breakthrough performance.

“I told Darren, just don't stop riding him and just keep hopping along on him,” he recalled.

“I knew he’d sustain it, because he's bred to get from 1400 metres to a mile.

“That’s exactly what he did, he just rode him a treat. I was actually starting to get very frustrated that he hadn't won one by now.

“You've just got to ride him right and not stop riding him.

“The horse has always had ability because I've known him from the start. And, I think he'll race on and he'll win a couple. I really do.

“Since I got him, I have changed a few things with him. I don't gallop my horses, I feed good and I only give them one lap. I barely work my horses pretty much.”

Nythe’s victory on Saturday was Patterson’s first since Misery Miss scored at Charleville in October of 2023.

He has taken time away from the training ranks in recent years due to mental health concerns, but says he is enjoying being back around the horses.

Nythe’s owner Barwick was overjoyed with the result on Saturday.

“As soon as he hit the front and he shot two lengths clear, my partner started crying,” the trainer said.

“She was just so excited, she just loves the horses. I just took over training them for her, because I love her.

“And, she loves the horses and we moved back to Charleville for that reason.”

Patterson was previously based at Barcaldine in the Central West for a short period of time.

Barwick also owns Dun With Roses, who Patterson trains, with the gelding finishing fourth at Roma on Saturday.

Both horses are nominated for the Central Warrego Race Club meeting this Saturday.

As well as Barwick, Patterson says he has been closely supported by many of his family members in his training pursuits, including his father John, who is a trainer himself.

“We've always had horses and Dad's always been a big help to me,” he said.

“He's always given me little pointers and advice and always helping out. He's a very smart horseman. My old man is a champion endurance rider and trained a lot of winners himself.

“Since I started training, I probably wouldn't have trained the winners I've trained if my Mum and Dad hadn’t supported me and always bought horses for me to train.

“Mum and Dad have been huge supporters of me since I started training, pretty much 90% of my horses have come from Mum and Dad.

“For Mum and Dad to trust me with their horses and for Annette to trust me to train her horses, it's a privilege.”