Parkes Excited About Raceday Return

Star Central Districts jockey Johnathan Parkes is happy to be back in the saddle, according to loveracing.nz. The 32-year-old Wanganui rider had been off the scene since he broke his collarbone when his mount Cutting Up Rough was brought down at Te Rapa on May 8. Parkes took four rides at Waverley on Friday and has three rides at Awapuni on Saturday. "I've just taken a few heavier rides but I was just wanting to get back out there and build fitness for next season," Parkes said. "I rode at the trials on Tuesday and my shoulder felt pretty good. I only got my clearance last week but from the trackwork and trials I've ridden, it's held up pretty well.” Parkes said, "I've done plenty of work in the gym but you can't beat raceday riding for fitness." Parkes' three rides at Awapuni are Rock Island Line, Jackaroo and Red Inferno, with all three shaping as winning chances. Despite the late season injury, Parkes has enjoyed a fruitful season, winning the $1 million Karaka Million (1200m) at Ellerslie and Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni on the Jamie Richards-trained On The Bubbles and guiding the Bill Pomare-trained Ocean Billy to Gr1 Auckland Cup (3200m) success at Ellerslie in March. He’s 48 wins away from claiming 1,000 victories.

Parkes won the Karaka Million aboard On The Bubbles (pic: Trish Dunell)