Mclellan Storming Down Comeback Trail

Sun Herald

Sunday November 30, 2008

By JAMES GARDINER

JOCKEY Darryl McLellan continued his successful return to riding with a winning double at Broadmeadow yesterday.

McLellan has been back in the saddle less than two months after a two-year lay-off. But he is quickly regaining his reputation as one of the best.

His winning rides were aboard Sunday Lady ($5) and Altier ($41).

Trained by Clarry Conners and having her fourth start, Sunday Lady was too strong in the maiden plate over 1300m, beating Silver Moon by 3/4 of a length. Favourite Gypsy Googol ($3.80) was a nose away third.

He racked up the double on outsider Altier, which nosed out Antilles ($12) to win a maiden plate over the same distance. Short-priced favourite African Prince was a far neck third.

Meanwhile, John Curtis, chief executive officer of the Newcastle Jockey club for the past 19 years, yesterday announced he was stepping down.

Curtis decided that the "time was right" to move on from his position at the head of one of Australia's premier provincial clubs.

He will stay at the club in a capacity yet to be determined.

A former racing journalist in Brisbane and Sydney, Curtis has been with the NJC since 1989 and overseen the growth of the club in difficult times.

Curtis will continue until a replacement is found and is most likely to be at the helm for the club's premier Boxing Day meeting.

© 2008 Sun Herald

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