POPULAR Warrnambool jumps jockey Ronan Short is hoping his birthday presents come early at the Warrnambool carnival this week.
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The Irish-born Short, who is apprenticed to leading Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde, turns 24 on Saturday and has some nice rides in the jumping races at Australia's premier country carnival.
His rides for Tuesday are Fields Of Lights, Under The Bridge and Jimmy's Secret in the three maiden hurdles plus Elvison in the Brierly Steeplechase.
Robbie's Star is his mount in the Galleywood Hurdle on the middle day and a ride in the Grand Annual is still to be finalised.
"It would be lovely if I could ride a few winners during the week," Short said.
"I've got some nice rides but it's really hard to ride a winner at Warrnambool in May. It's very competitive racing. Elvison looks a good ride in the Brierly. I don't think he appreciated the track at Oakbank last time when he ran fourth.
"He'll be better with a bit of give in the track. I was really happy with his jumps trial behind Gold Medals, Flying Agent and Zed Em around Warrnambool a fortnight ago.
"We'll wait and see how Elvison and his stablemate Georgethefifth perform in the Brierly before making a decision about an Annual mount for Thursday."
Gobstopper gave Short his first Australian jumps feature winning the Galleywood Hurdle last year and the quietly-spoken hoop, who has called Warrnambool home for more than two years, is hungry for more big race victories.
"I really love Warrnambool. Symon Wilde and his family have been sensational to me and the staff at the stable are great," he said.
"Warrnambool is the home of jumps racing in Australia. I'm lucky to be here. It was weird riding at last year's carnival without crowds. I just can't wait to be riding in front of big crowds this week."
Short is also booked to ride American In Paris for his boss in the novice steeplechase on Wednesday.
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