Araglen born jockey, Johnny Allen, crossed the line in style on Extra Brut to win the 2018 AAMI Victoria Derby at the Melbourne Cup last weekend.
The 2018 Victoria Derby on Derby Day heralds the start of the Victoria Racing Club’s Melbourne Cup carnival held at the iconic Flemington racecourse in Melbourne.
The 2500m distance makes the Victoria Derby a grueling test for spring three-year-olds and the $2 million in prizemoney makes the event one of the key races on the Australian racing calendar.
The 32-year-old jockey was thrilled with the win and is already a successful name since he arrived in Australia two years ago.
“I’ve come a long way in a couple of years and that’s all due to Darren Weir and his team,” Mr Allen said. “He (Extra Brut) rounded them up in a matter of strides. I thought I got to the front way too soon but all credit to him, he toughed it out.”
It was trainer Darren Weir’s first ever win in the world-renowned race and it made it extra special to have Johnny Allen in the seat.
Brad Spicer, a member of the syndicate who own Extra Brut was delighted that the Araglen man was the man to get Extra Brut over the line.
“It’s a big team effort and I think it hits home,” Mr Spicer said. “Johnny isn’t your everyday Group 1 jockey. To stick with him and to get a result just says volumes for the team that Darren puts together,” the part owner said.
The trainer, Mr Weir has had a great working relationship with Johnny Allen, ever since he arrived in Australia and they have had great success as a team thus far.
They all work hard at home, but out of all the jockeys he works extra hard,” Weir said. “He’s there every day doing the track work and helping us out. It’s great for him to be a part of it.”
Jockey John Allen will be hoping to continue his amazing week of success having also won on Another Coldie in the Kyneton Cup on Wednesday last. He will take the reins again on Thursday, November 8 on Verry Elleegant in the Kennedy Oaks race.
