Dylan, 19, outrode his three-kilogram country claim, just four months into his apprenticeship, when the Todd Howlett-trained Yuralla Boy gave him a 20^th career win in the opening race, the Gary Harley Handicap (2330 metres).

His father, 2019-20 NSW premiership winner Andrew, took out the other $40,000 race on the program, the Robert Thompson Cup (1200m), on the Allan Denham-trained Dame Kiri.

Andrew was thrilled to win the race, named in honour of Cessnock's Australian Racing Hall of Fame jockey, for the first time.

Thompson, 62, was third in the race on the Rod Northam-trained Joey's Chance and he was on hand to present the trophy to Gibbons.

"I've always wanted to win that race," Gibbons said.

"I can honestly say RT is probably the best rider I have ridden against in his prime and he's always been a very close friend.

"You could says he's one of my idols. He's one of those guys you want to be like. You want people to look at you like they look at RT, so to win the race named after him was pretty special."

It was Gibbons' first time on Dame Kiri, which made the most of a rails runs and late split to hit the front then edge out Snitzify.

"I had plenty of luck," he said. "I got the good run through and all the riders in front of me all got off on the corner and it opened up a massive run for me.

"Al said to me before the race he was very confident the horse would go close. He was just a little concerned the horse might be a run short, and he was right. She did just peak before the line but momentum got her there and she's pretty tough."

Dylan capitalised on a pick-up ride to get his win. Singleton apprentice Mikayla Weir was to ride Yuralla Boy when the meeting was scheduled for Sunday. However, extreme heat led to the meeting being moved to Tuesday alongside the Armidale program, where Weir opted to ride instead.

Weir picked up two winners while Gibbons did the job on Yuralla Boy, which came from midfield to outstay his rivals for a two-length victory. It continued a stunning start to Gibbons' career.

"I didn't expect it to take off as quick as it has," he said.

"It's been unreal the support I'm getting. Some people are running horses in worse races to put me on, because they'll get big weights, so I'm getting very well looked after.

"On the average, I'll be able to crack 50 for the season and that would be unreal to do in my first one."

"I'm on target to break 50 so I'll keep my sights on that for now."

Howlett said Gibbons rode Yuralla Boy "a treat".

"Todd wanted me to get him one off the fence so he could roll into it, which is probably what won me the race, giving him room and letting him build his revs," Gibbons said.