Jockey excited to return

Decorated jockey Dominic Tourneur will return to Geraldton for the XXXX Gold Geraldton Cup this Sunday.

Geraldton born and bred, Tourneur started his career after his mum saw an ad in The West Australian in 1990, and thought this could be the answer for her then 15-year-old son who was not interested in school.

Tourneur rode for about eight years professionally in Geraldton, before moving to South Australia a decade ago.

He’s dominated on the national stage, riding more than 800 winners from more than 6700 starts and several group one winners.

The leading jockey hasn’t visited home since he left, and said he could not wait to return for the Cup this weekend.

“I’m quite excited, it’s been a long time coming, really, ” he said.

“I’m pretty excited to come back and, hopefully, get a few rides for a few of the trainers I used to ride for.

“I’m looking forward to reacquainting with a lot of my mates, trainers and owners.”

Tourneur will ride in about six races on Sunday.

He goes into the Cup in solid form, riding a few winners including one at the Bunbury Cup last Thursday and one at Morphetville in Adelaide last Saturday.

Tourneur said riding favourite Alcopop in the 2009 Melbourne Cup was a unique experience.

The Geraldton boy said his greatest achievement was riding Huckleback to victory in last year’s Emirates Stakes.

“To win a big group one at Flemington, especially during the Spring Carnival, it was amazing, ” he said.

“Also riding in the Melbourne Cup, and riding second at the Caulfield Cup, they were pretty big and momentous occasions as well.”

The early forecast for the day is mostly fine with some cloud about.

Tourneur said it was fitting coming back to where it all started for him.

He said he owed something to his home town, and encouraged everyone to come and support the race which stops Geraldton.

“Geraldton Cup day is always a tremendous day out, ” he said.

“It’s a great occasion for the women to get frocked up and the guys to dress up and enjoy the great atmosphere.

“It’s a day where Geraldtonians get together and catch up with their mates and have a few beers and have a bet here and there.”

Tickets are available from today at the Geraldton Turf Club.

People are encouraged to get in this week to avoid the need to queue.