COMEBACK kid John Kissick has wasted little time in re-establishing himself among the local jockey ranks.
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Kissick landed his first winner at Albury yesterday since returning to riding last week after more than three-and-a-half years on the sidelines.
The 29-year-old partnered the Norm Loy-trained Waiting For A Mate to victory in the $20,000 Benchmark 66 Hcp, (1400m).
Loy has been a big supporter of Kissick throughout his career.
The talented hoop who is based in Wangaratta, has been living with Loy since coronavirus restrictions prohibited racing participants travelling interstate.
Loy was ecstatic that Kissick was able to land a winner so soon after having five rides at Wagga last week which included two minor placings.
"I was rapt to have John on board and be able to join forces for his first win since resuming," Loy said.
"It's been well-publicised how tough it has been for him since he got injured and it's a credit to him to overcome everything he has.
"I said to Johnny before the race I think this horse will be winning for you.
"I'm just thankful Danny Williams' horse (My Blue Jeans) didn't shatter the dream because it kept coming on the line."
Waiting For A Mate ($5) benefited from a patient ride from Kissick.
Kissick bided his time in the run before taking off on the home-turn to try and reel in the tearaway leader and race favourite Enzed Beer ($2.60-fav).
Waiting For A Mate hit the lead 100m from home but was forced to dig deep to fight off the late challenge from a gallant My Blue Jeans ($3.80).
"I haven't had a chance to speak to John yet but he would be happy to get the monkey off his back," Loy said shortly after the race.
"John is like family to me and he started off his apprenticeship with Peter Clancy at Leeton.
"I rode for Peter for years when I was a jockey.
"John is a champion bloke and I'm just glad I was able to provide him with his first winner since being back.
"It's always hard when you have to do the bullocking work for the rest of the field to catch a tearaway leader.
"But John is a smart rider and timed his run to perfection."
Loy said the drop back to 1400m from a mile was the key to Waiting For A Mate returning to the winners stall.
"It was only a 10-day back-up but he pulled-up well from his last-start at Albury and I just thought today was his race."
Loy made it a winning double after Falling Waters won the $20,000 Benchmark 58 Hcp, (1175m) with son Brodie aboard.
Falling Waters ($3.90) edged out the Donna Scott-trained Hazel's Diary ($9) after a stirring battle.
