French jockey Ryan Curatolo is determined to put the rough times behind him – and get the winners back on the board.
The 26-year-old was riding winners on a regular basis around two to three months ago, sitting in fourth place on the log, albeit a gap of around 15 winners behind leader Vlad Duric.
Even frequent visits to the Stewards’ room for careless riding (he has already been in there 11 times since his Kranji stint began in January) didn’t seem to slow him down. He would somehow come back from those holidays firing on all cylinders again.
But the latest bans have definitely been a major speed bump this time.
Curatolo has not ridden a winner since Grand Knight on July 27. He has since been rubbed out four times, including a four-week suspension reduced to two weeks on appeal, incurred in Macau at the end of July for not riding to the satisfaction of the Stewards, and with penalties increased to three days because of his prior convictions.
The former Macau-based jockey said the only silver lining was him being for once spared the rod at the recent slew of suspensions handed out in the last month or so.
But he finds it even more frustrating he still can’t find the line even with the current shortage of jockeys, and despite getting on top of leading fancies.
“I’m glad I’m not among the current suspended jockeys, but at the same time, I’ve not won any race since I returned from my suspensions,” said Curatolo.
“But I’m hungry and am really looking forward to the remaining two months in the season. Yes, my season has been interrupted by suspensions, but I’m fit and in good shape, and I’m out there chasing goals and ready to fire.
“I’ve got 10 rides this weekend and have some pretty good chances like Axel and Lim’s Revent on Sunday.
“I rode Axel on Wednesday and he’s in really good form. The only horse I’m worried about is My Big Boss.
“I’ve been riding a lot of work for Mark Walker (Axel’s trainer) lately and I’m thankful for the support. He’s put me on four other horses for the weekend.
“Lim’s Revent (trained by Steven Burridge) won his last race, but is rising in class. He has drawn gate No 1 and looks in good shape.
“It’s been a long time between drinks, but I’m confident the wheel will turn. All I need is to ride one winner and hopefully that will be the trigger.”
