BRENT EVANS WEIGHS UP HIS OPTIONS

By Matthew Grimson | Monday, June 29, 2009

Apprentice jockey Brent Evans is looking for a new base after his former boss, trainer Lindsay Hatch, was disqualified from racing for 12 months.

Hatch was disqualified last Thursday when a blood sample taken from Space Ace prior to racing and winning at Dalby on May 31 was found to have elevated TCO2 (bicarbonate) levels. It is not the first time Hatch has appeared before the stewards for such a breach and his record was taken into account in assessing the penalty.

Apprentices cannot race without a valid employer, and with Hatch disqualified, the 18-year-old Evans was forced to make a snap decision - sign for a stable immediately or take to the sidelines.

Brisbane trainer David Murphy came to the rescue, offering Evans a two-week contract that would allow him to follow through with his riding commitments, which included a ride on Gold Rating in the $100 000 Sunshine Coast Guineas last Saturday.

Evans will use the two weeks to assess his future, with a number of high profile trainers lining up to acquire the services of the highly talented youngster.

Evans isn’t restricting himself in any way in his decision-making process.

“I’ve had a few offers,” Evans said. “I’ve been offered work for a top trainer in Melbourne. I’ve also been contacted by people from Sydney, but at the moment Melbourne is at the top of my list.”

In his career to date, Evan’s has taken over 100 horses passed the mirror in first position and has placed nearly 40 percent of time. His most notable victory came two weeks ago in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m), when he piloted the John Wallace trained Mitanni to victory. Wallace is also reportedly in the mix as a future employer for the young rider.

If his success so far hasn’t spoken enough for Evans’s maturity, his level head whilst deciding on his future does, refusing to be pressured into making his choice.

“Everybody has been pushing the question, ‘What are you doing?’, and asking, ‘What have you decided?’

“At the moment I've got nothing. I am with David (Murphy), and I have two weeks to make my decision.”

And it's a decision Evans isn't taking lightly.

Born in Newcastle and raised in Grafton, Evans has relocated several times in the past few years, prepared to move up and down the coast in pursuit of his goal to become a top class jockey.

With his apprenticeship due to finish in March 2011, nothing has changed.

“It’s just another move, my career has priority,” Evans said.

“Lifestyle doesn’t come into it at all. I’ve got to make the most of racing and set myself up for later on. While I can, I’ve got to make the most of the opportunity.”

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