Racing
Bingley after an Express return
After almost four months out of the saddle, apprentice rider Lauryn Bingley is steadily working her way back to full fitness.
The young jockey returned to race riding last week and was immediately in the winners' circle, kicking home Restricted Access in Hobart last Sunday.
It was on the same track in mid-July when Bingley fell, suffering multiple injuries.
"I had a punctured lung, and I tore ligaments in my shoulder and a couple of cracked ribs," Bingley explained.
"All in all, I came off pretty good, but still now I get a little sore after a big day."
For that reason, Bingley is easing her way back to race riding, accepting five rides for Friday's Sheffield Cup meeting in Devonport.
"I'm still probably a little bit heavier than I would like to be, but a couple more weeks of riding, I should be back on track. I'm riding 54kg on Friday, so I'm doing it a little bit hard this week, but I'll have it under control soon.
"I noticed a big difference from trial riding to heading back to the races, I think I was blowing out before the horses," Bingley said jokingly.
It will be a late start to the day for Bingley; her first ride comes up in race five, Bayside, for her boss Barry Campbell. The 5yo ran an eye-catching second in Launceston last week, coming from last on the home turn.
"He was super, and to be honest, I didn't give him the best ride. He's got a bit of a tricky barrier to overcome, but there is a lot of speed in the race. Hopefully, we can jump neutral and truly get a bum, and I think he will be right up there if he can get a good run from the gate."
Bingley will ride Sushi Express in the Sheffield Cup. The 8yo is on a path to the Devonport Cup next month and ran a solid fourth in the WFA Conquering Stakes last week.
"He had to bounce from barrier 11 in a field of 12, over 1400m he was super. He did a lot of work and Glenn (Hodges, trainer) was really happy with how he pulled up and he's drawn a nice barrier. There looks to be a lot of speed in that race, so hopefully he can get the drop on them, and if he can get one last crack at them, I think his run the other day will probably knock them off."
The $50,000 Kevin Sharkie Sheffield Cup has attracted one of the strongest fields in recent memory, including Wineglass Bay, who is topweight and third-up from a spell, Ashy Boy, who has won the past two Devonport Cups, Blonde Star and the up-and-comer Earendel, who Craig Newitt will partner.
The 10-event card gets underway at 13:18 with the last at 18:49. A good crowd is expected, with many taking advantage of the twilight finish and a perfect weather forecast.
Punters should be able to get money early with the Adam Trinder-trained Ozonica in race two. The 3yo makes his debut but is coming off four impressive trial wins.
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