Jockeying For Position: Patrick Carbery

Terry Leighton | Metropolitan Racing | Tue 28 March, 2017

Foreword

I sometimes feel jockeys are a little protected by the media and racing public and we need to remember they are sports men and women.  How often will you read scathing articles about footy players or cricketers detailing every little flaw with their games?  As the general public, I think it is important (while not attacking anyone on a personal level) that we need to be more accepting that criticism is going to be a massive part of this game.  I've even included some nice things (against my nature) to help ease us into this new and wonderful world of accepted constructive criticism.

Strengths

Positions horses well.  Tends to find good spots in running and will have his horse settle quite well on most occasions.  One of Perth’s better jockeys in regards to not getting caught wide or finding much trouble in the straight.

Weaknesses

A lot of the time appears to get nothing out of a horse.  While you will see the likes of Pike and Noske fluently ride the horse hands and heels while utilizing the whip, Carbery actually stops riding to use the whip.  With horses such as Pounamu or Politics, who tend to build up there own momentum and don't require those urgings it is not a big deal.  But if he was to ride a horse like Socially Unique or Shinta Mani which require a strong rider; both hands and heels and with the whip, he just doesn't suit them.  Just doesn't look overly fluent as a jockey (Cue Carbery fans hate mail...).

Suits

Horses which don’t require much assistance in getting going and hitting top speed.  An example might be a horse like Rock Magic who naturally travels well.  Horses like Universal Law, Diplomat Express, Socially Unique – horses who need to be wound up to get into a race.  Would be steering clear with Patty on.

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