Tim Clark reaffirmed his position among Australia’s top jockeys last weekend by notching his 26th Group 1 victory, guiding War Machine to success in the Stradbroke Handicap. His first Group 1 win came in 2008 aboard Typhoon Zed in The Galaxy, marking the start of an impressive elite-level career.
Despite almost two decades at the top, Clark’s hunger for success hasn’t faded, crediting the continual pursuit of quality rides and feature races as the fuel behind his consistency.
“There is always something to keep you motivated, whether that’s a horse or a certain race,” Clark said.
“It gets you up, even in these colder months, and a lot of the good horses are coming back into work (now) or will be in the next few weeks.
“It can be a grind at certain times, but generally there is always something around the corner to look forward to.”
Even while spending most winter Saturdays riding in Brisbane, Clark remains fourth on the Sydney jockeys’ premiership ladder with 55 wins, showcasing his ongoing impact week to week.
“I’ve had really good support throughout and been able to capitalise on a few of those opportunities,” he said.
“It’s nice to be sitting high up on the ladder.
“I’ve spent the majority of the last two months away on Saturdays but that has been very rewarding as well. All in all it has been a top season.”
Clark is back at Randwick this Saturday with seven rides, including Bases Loaded in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Having been gelded this campaign, Bases Loaded is expected to improve, and Clark has taken confidence from his work leading into the race.
“He has been gelded this prep and he does seem to be coming up well,” Clark said.
“The run under his belt won’t hurt him but I still think he’s going well enough to run a forward race.
“Fortunately, in a big field he has drawn soft. He will race somewhere near the speed but he might be able to have a cosy run just in behind them, conserve a bit of energy and he could surprise fresh.”
Priced at $9.50 on Thursday, Bases Loaded trails the market favourite Headley Grange who is rated a $3.80 chance.
Clark will also partner Shamarkand in The Living Turf Handicap (1800m) and Rotagilla in the QMS Media Handicap (1600m) for Chris Waller.
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