Daren Danis made a daring move when he headed to the postponed Ashburton meeting on Monday, and it turned out to be a big win.
He rode Star Of Justice to victory in the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes, marking his 100th career riding win and his first at the Group level.
Danis faced a tough decision as he was also scheduled to participate in the New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready To Run Sale breeze-ups on Monday for Kiltannon Stables, who are close friends.
However, with several northern jockeys already engaged elsewhere, opportunities opened up at Ashburton, and Danis decided to seize the chance.
“Parmar (Niranjan Parmar) was originally on that horse, and when the meeting got postponed, there were changes in the jockey lineup. I saw Star Of Justice still had no jockey, so I chased down that ride.”
His leap of faith paid off when he secured the ride.
He said, “We just had to beat a couple of good ones in Illicit Dreams and Viva Vienna. The race played out in my head as soon as I heard I got the ride. I thought it would be a really good way to get my 100th victory by winning my first Group Three, and it happened.”
Danis acknowledged that his journey to 100 wins had been slow due to injuries that plagued his career in recent years.
He recounted, “I have been riding for a while, and it is not as many wins as others at the same stage, but I have been injured so many times.” He mentioned a severe back injury in 2017 and a more recent injury that involved broken ribs and a torn meniscus in his left knee.
He expressed his gratitude to those who supported him during his recovery, including his manager Sam Durrant, physiotherapist, family, and friends. Danis also praised Sam Durrant, who is not just his manager but also his personal trainer and a close friend, for playing a pivotal role in his recovery.
Despite his recent successes, Danis is focused on the future.
“I have got five wins now this season, and I am just getting started. I will put my head down and bum up and keep working hard.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to retain the ride on Star Of Justice for the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton next month but acknowledges the competition for the ride.
“I am sure the big boys will be looking to get on her, but I want to chase that ride as well.”
He believes Star Of Justice has a strong chance in the race, given her impressive performance in the Barneswood Farm Stakes.