Sargent sticks solid with Gibbons for drought-breaking group 1

Jockey Dylan Gibbons was thrilled to reward the loyalty of trainer John Sargent as the combination broke group 1 droughts with victory on Global Goal in the Flight Stakes (1600m) for three-year-old fillies at Randwick on Saturday.

Randwick-based Sargent landed his 12th win at the top level but first since Gust Of Wind, the last horse to beat Winx, claimed the 2015 ATC Oaks.

For Gibbons, it was a maiden group 1 win as fully-fledged jockey and his first in more than two and a half years.

Gibbons, who had group 1 wins as an apprentice with Explosive Jack (2023 Sydney Cup) and Kalapour (2024 Tancred), made a long run on Global Goal, coming from second last on the home turn, to mow down Chris Waller’s De Armas by a neck. David Payne-trained favourite Bangkok Hottie was a half-neck third in the grand final of the Princess Series after winning the Furious and Tea Rose Stakes.

“Dylan rode her a treat. It was always going to be tactical, but he got on his bike early and out-stayed them,” Sargent said.

“We had a few offers for other riders after her last race, [but] Dylan knows her, he’s a very dedicated jockey and he can ride the big races as good as anyone.”

Sargent said the Pinatubo filly could go for a spell or race on to the group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) or Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). He doubted she would go on to an Oaks trip.

It was a special win for Gibbons, who came back from six months off with a shoulder reconstruction last year and made the move from Newcastle to Sydney.

“Obviously Sydney is one of the hardest places to be in, so those six months, a lot of people fill your spot quickly,” Gibbons said.

“I’ve been blessed. I’ve found some good stables who have been very solid. I ride a lot for John [O’Shea] and Tom [Charlton] and they’ve been great in getting back going since I’ve come back, and obviously John [Sargent] as well.

“He could have found any jockey he wanted for her today, but they didn’t even bat an eyelid to try and take me off, so it’s a thrill to reward them.”

Earlier, premier trainer Chris Waller was weighing up a start for Wonka in the group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on October 24 at Randwick after he edged out Richard and Will Freedman-trained favourite Genesis Runner in the listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) for three-year-olds.

The $360,000 Snitzel colt, stepping up from a Kensington super maiden win, went stride for stride with Genesis Runner down the straight and got the bob for a short half-head win under James McDonald.

Waller said the group 3 1600m Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington on October 31 was a next option, along with “the big step to 2000m” in the Spring Champion. Former Test fast bowler Doug Bollinger, who has worked for Waller for more than three years, was Wonka’s strapper.