Guthmann-Chester set for amateur boxing bout

By Jordan Gerrans

Gold Coast jockey Jag Guthmann-Chester thrived in his first taste of boxing and is now ready to step into the ring for the second time.

The 22-year-old was one of many Queensland-based riders who competed in the “Fight For a Cause” concept at the Royal International Convention Centre at RNA Showgrounds in late April.

The Listed-level winning hoop prevailed in the fight of the night, downing premier Brisbane jockey Ryan Maloney as the main event of the evening.

Several who watched the jockeys train in the lead-up to the bouts noted that Guthmann-Chester was a natural boxer and had the skills to take it further if he wanted to.

While many of the jockeys used the program to improve their weight and fitness, while also raising money for charity, Guthmann-Chester will now take part in an upcoming amateur bout following his success on debut.

He gets into the ring for a second time next month.

“I like winning and boxing is a great sport, also, me being a sporty and competitive person,” Guthmann-Chester said.

“Boxing it is you and only you in there, you make your own fate, which is something I like about it.

“You can only perform and control the outcome as in racing it is different, you believe and back yourself, but you need the right horse to win races. 

“The boxing challenges me and if I can keep getting results and improving, I cannot see why I won’t keep jumping in the ring more often.”

On top of his riding, Guthmann-Chester, who has 39 winners to his name this season, is also a keen surfer down on the Gold Coast when he does not have commitments at Aquis Park in the morning.

“I really enjoyed it, boxing is something that helps me with my weight and fitness on race day and I think it helps mentality wise,” Guthmann-Chester said.

“All the jockeys that got involved, it was a great experience and we had a good time.

“I really thrived doing it and I got some feedback that I went ok, so I thought it would be something that I may not necessarily pursue a long way, but I am happy to get in, have a crack and challenge myself.

“I am about to get back into training later this week and get stuck into it.”

Former Australian professional boxer Corey McConnell, who trained the group of jockeys earlier this year, helped organise Guthmann-Chester’s upcoming bout.

“I do not know a lot about my opponent right now but he trains out of the Northside Boxing gym,” Guthmann-Chester said.

“I know he is only light so that is a good opportunity for me as a jockey.

“He will put up a test for me, I will get into the gym and start training hard.”

On the riding front, Guthmann-Chester has picked up three winners from his last 10 engagements and is looking forward to following the Michael Costa-trained Axe through the TAB Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.

Both trainer and jockey were impressed with how Axe performed in the recent Group 3 BRC Sprint, finishing third – just over a length behind the winner - after winning three of his last four in the lead-up. 

The Written Tycoon gelding will now head towards the Listed Eye Liner Stakes later this month at Ipswich.

Guthmann-Chester is chasing back-to-back Eye Liner victories after piloting Bandipur last year for Kelly Purdy.

“Axe around Ipswich in a forward position, he will be hard to catch,” Costa said.

Guthmann-Chester says he is always on the hunt for more TAB Queensland Winter Racing Carnival rides, on top of his usual Gold Coast commitments.