Former Queenslander Thomas Doyle is relying on his ability, not an apprentice allowance, to make his mark in Tasmania.
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With more than 80 winners his credit, 21-year-old Doyle comes to the state without a country claim but local trainers have shown they are still happy to book his services.
He had five rides at his first meeting on March 18, another five at his second on Saturday - when he rode his first Tasmanian winner - and has another five at Mowbray on Wednesday night.
The best of them could be Supalopo for his new master Adam Trinder in the Maiden Plate but all his rides appear to have some chance.
Doyle has ridden most of his winners around Rockhampton and Mackay and they have included several country cups.
Last season he was runner-up to Emma Bell in the Queensland country apprentices' premiership, losing the title on a countback.
However he was "looking for change" and that's why, when contacted by Trinder, he jumped at the opportunity to try his luck in Tasmania.
"I know it will be a bit more difficult in Tasmania not having a country claim but I've settled in well in Devonport and I'm looking forward to it," Doyle said.
"I'm not from a racing family but I've spent most of my life with horses, doing show jumping, eventing, dressage and so on.
"I didn't start my apprenticeship until I was 18 because I wanted to do the right thing and finish high school."
Tasmanian Jockeys Association general manager Kevin Ring said Doyle would be a welcome addition to local riding ranks.
"He was highly regarded by some very good judges in Queensland - he definitely can ride," Ring said.
RYAN'S FIRST-FOUR
Dilston greyhound trainer Pat Ryan achieved a rare feat in Launceston on Monday night when he supplied the first four placegetters in the $5000-to-the-winner Breeders Classic final.
However his four runners, all from the same litter, didn't finish in the order that most punters expected.
The winner, Ava Wine, who jumped slowly and settled last before circling the field, started at $16 despite having won his semi-final by 10 lengths.
Ryan said he had doubted the dog could win after drawing box 7.
Savage Victor ($2.60 fav) ran second after leading ahead of Handsome Prince and Splotched.
The kennel-mates earned a total of $7200 in stakemoney and another $5000 in breeders' bonuses.
Tuesday's Devonport greyhound meeting was cancelled after participants were refused entry to the venue.