While lockdown rolls on in the regions, nothing can stop the horse racing industry as meets continue with no crowds.
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Racing at Lismore on Monday saw Kempsey jockey Jayden Barrie save his best for last, riding home the winner in Race 7.
Barrie jumped in the saddle with Ballina based gelding Sugar Zone after previously riding her home to a third at Lismore on July 17 and a win in Race 7 at Casino on August 7.
The Mark Gorman trained gelding started at $4.40, second favourite behind Don't Cry Mama with Barrie taking her out to an early lead from barrier five.
Once on the home straight, Sugar Zone never looked challenged as Barrie rode to a win by almost two and a half lengths.
"I got a clear and easy front run, I wasn't carrying much weight on the horse, he's been going around with 60 kilos on his back usually but he was up in grade yesterday and carried only 57 kilos," Barrie recounted.
"I made sure I had a couple of sandwiches so I didn't have any dead weight."
The new racing season has seen Barrie's schedule start to fill up as various top trainers use his services.
"It's been good, I've been riding for John Sprague (Port Macquarie), John Shelton (Grafton) and John Cooper (Wyong)," Barrie said.
"I had a winner on Sprague's horse and then the horse I rode yesterday I won on it at Casino."
Part of the reason for Barrie's full schedule has been the employment of a manager in former jockey Craig Rixon.
"My boss (Hilary Dew) knew him, and I've had him for about four to five months now," Barrie explained.
"He's an ex-jockey so he usually runs through the races with me - he's like another mentor."
For the spring season Barrie has one simple goal.
"Out ride my three kilo claim," he said.
"It'll take some hard work, I'm riding pretty well so hopefully I can keep my fitness up and keep a straight mind."
"I'm loving it (riding), my weight has been good, I'm getting on some good horses so it's been really enjoyable."
Barrie will race next at Port Macquarie on Saturday with Dew nominating two of his horses.
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