Andrew Gibbons has only just wrapped up a third Newcastle jockey's premiership, but he already has another goal in mind for the remainder of this season.
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The Thornton 42-year-old, who notched up 29 winners at the Broadmeadow track throughout 2019-20, also has his sights set on the state crown at the end of July.
Gibbons has saluted 116 times in NSW this campaign and with leader Blaike McDougall (122.5) out suspended it has left the title door ajar over the closing stages. James McDonald (110.5) and Tommy Berry (106) are next best on the overall standings.
"It's not out of the question," Gibbons said.
"I'm only 6.5 behind for the state premiership. Seven wins over three weeks is doable, but it's just as easy to go three weeks without a winner as well. If I can stay out of trouble and keep being consistent then I'm a chance."
Gibbons, who successully defended his Newcastle jockey's premiership from last season, said claiming the top prize at his home course was special.
"It's always nice to win at home," he said.
"It's the one I set my sights on at the start of the season. I've been lucky enough to win them [premierships] elsewhere as well but this one really means a lot."
Gibbons said 29 was "by far" a personal best for a 12-month period at Newcastle Jockey Club, which held its last meeting for the season on Tuesday.
"I think last year I won with 20 and maybe even 19 before that. This was by far my best season," he said.
Tom Sherry was the leading apprentice jockey at Newcastle for 2019-20 with 20 wins. The Newcastle trainer's premiership went to James Cummings with 22 wins, two in front of Novocastrian Kris Lees (20). Paul Perry was third on 14.
Newcastle resumes on August 8 ahead of September's two-day spring carnival.
Meanwhile at Scone on Friday, trainer David Atkins and jockey Robert Thompson combined for victory with Two Up in the third. Trainer-jockey team Rodney Ollerton and Darryl McLellan followed up with Two Ducks Artie in the fourth. Lees and hoop Aaron Bullock triumped with Bandahara in the fifth.
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