Popular Warrnambool jumps jockey Braidon Small broke a long run out of outs when he rode Instigator to victory in last Sunday’s $40,000 Roycroft Steeplechase at Terang.
Small, who has been fighting ongoing health battles, hadn’t ridden a winner for nearly three years before a masterly ride saw Instigator defeat stablemates Raise The Note and Noonday Gun in the 3200-metre contest.
Trainer Aaron Purcell will now target Instigator at the $150,000 Brierly Steeplechase on Tuesday week, May 5, and the $350,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday May 7. 
The gelding ran third in last year’s Brierly and second in the Grand Annual, with Small riding on both occasions.
Purcell said it was a huge thrill to see Small back in the winner’s stall.
“Braidon has put a lot of work into the horses in our stable, especially Instigator. He can be a quirky horse to ride but Braidon has a great understanding of him. 
“The win is a wonderful reward for Braidon and all the staff at our stable.”
Small said the victory was a great relief as he’d questioned whether he would ride another winner.
“I’m happy to have got the monkey off my back,” he said. “I was starting to doubt it (riding another winner). 
“The win is extra special being Instigator. He’s a tough stayer who never gives up. 
“Last time I won on him was at Pakenham in a hurdle back in April 2021 but I’ve ridden placings on him in a Galleywood Hurdle, a Grand Annual and a Brierly.
“He’s been a wonderful horse for his connections. Fingers crossed we might win one at the carnival.”
Instigator has won $642,688 from 69 starts. 
Idol set for sterner test
Star jumper Stern Idol will bid for his second Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool’s May racing carnival after his 25-length victory in the Spencer Steeplechase at Terang.
With champion jumps jockey Steven Pateman in the saddle, Stern Idol made a one-act affair of Sunday’s $75,000 race.
The nine-year-old won the 2024 Brierly with Pateman aboard. 
At last year’s carnival he tackled the Galleywood Hurdle, finishing fourth to The Cunning Fox.
Student’s keen to learn
Warrnambool boy Charlie Brooks was over the moon after riding his first winner at his 13th ride on the picnic circuit at Yea last Saturday.
Brooks, a 17-year-old student at Emmanuel College, won a 1600-metre maiden by a nose on Stormyfriendship for Kyneton trainer Mark Ashby. 
“I just hung on,” he said. “I think the other horse (Tornado Anwa) headed me before the finishing line but my bloke was brave. He got his head down on the line. He was really game.”
The Yea meeting was the last of the Victorian picnic season, with only the Picnic Grand Final (1600m) to come, at Pakenham next Friday. Brooks is hoping to get a ride in that race.
Brooks, who only started riding in races last month, said he’d enjoyed the experience.
“I’ve been extremely lucky to have received so much support from so many people including my parents, (Mornington trainer) Tony Noonan and everyone at his stable, plus people like (ex-jockey) Peter Hutchinson who have given support and advice. 
“I’m sure the experience will be a big benefit in the future.”
Brooks is the son of Warrnambool trainer John Brooks.