Ringo’s A Rockstar wins for Stephens, Gray
Veteran trainer Norm Stephens’ loyalty to journeyman jockey Matt Gray paid off when they combined to win with Ringo’s A Rockstar at Doomben.
Ringo’s A Rockstar ($5) lived up to an easy win at the Sunshine Coast when he beat Mymancharles ($7) by a length with 1-3/4 lengths to I Remember You ($31).
Stephens, 85, has been a popular figure in Queensland racing, having won the 1948 Stradbroke as a teenage jockey on Ballyvista and then as a trainer when he won the 1987 Silver Slipper with Ballook.
He has a small team and while Stephens has had a steady stream of provincial winners, his last metropolitan winner was Spinhro in 2011.
“It keeps me young and I have my family to help me. Ringo’s A Rockstar has always shown potential and I reckon he can win a few more,” Stephens said.
“We bred Ringo’s A Rockstar and his mother Cradle Rock had plenty of ability.”
Gray also makes only rare appearances in Brisbane on a Saturday but has been the regular rider of Ringo’s A Rockstar.
“I was apprenticed to Norm and have been riding for him for 22 years. He has always stuck by me and so have the other owners in the horse,” Gray said.