He’s one of the good guys in NSW country racing, and likable Berrigan-based hoop Brad Vale landed a popular winning treble at Balranald on Saturday.
He teamed up with Wangaratta trainer Andrew Dale, with the pair combining for three wins, and the 46-year-old was thrilled to celebrate another good that at the races.
“That’s what racing is all about. You have your good days and bad days, and Saturday was a good day, and I was able to ride three winners,” Vale said.
The veteran jockey kicked off the meeting when guiding Malabar Queen ($2 fav.) to a comfortable three-length win in the 1000m Maiden Plate.
Two races later, the pair were at it again, and it was another easy win, with Deploy And Destroy cruising to a three-and-a-half-length victory in the 1400m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
Vale was made to work when bringing up his treble, with Adelaide’s Diamond winning by half-a-length in the 1750m Benchmark 50 Handicap.
“In the end, they were going there and were all good winning chances,” Vale said.
“Only one took a bit of riding, which was Adelaide’s Diamond, but the other two were sit-and-steer jobs.
“Andrew is back to getting his horses to the right places, and we had a disappointing week before that at Deniliquin, and we both went to Balranald thinking we could turn that luck around.”
Despite being based in different states, Dale and Vale have enjoyed a bit of success in recent years, combining for 13 wins at a 14.8% win rate.
“There’s no real connection, and it’s just how it has worked out over the years,” Vale said.
“He only really uses me at the non-TABs, and we were going on a good run last season before the rains hit, and when it came back to riding them at the TABs, some of those other jockeys got a go, but that’s racing.
“You have to cop it; if this was me back as an apprentice, I would have been dirty and would get upset.
“Still, after 26 years of riding, I’ve worked out what will be, will be, and it all works out in the wash; I’ve just got to take what opportunities come.”
Vale is back on his home track on Saturday, with Dale entering a massive team of 13 runners, including four chances in the $18,000 Berrigan Cup (1600m).
Mescaminto will be Vale’s ride in the feature, and he is looking to add another Berrigan Cup to the mantlepiece.
“Berrigan is my home track, and I’ll be riding five of Andrew’s on the day my only other ride will be on Dreamt Enough,” Vale said.
“Legal Zou in the 1400m Benchmark 50 (Handicap) is probably my best chance; he has been knocking on the door, and he is back to his good form.
“Plus, Andrew has been flying, and I can’t see why he wouldn’t be running a good race; he looks spot-on at the moment.”
As always, it is a big day in Berrigan, with their Country Fashions on the Field to be held between races two and three, while there will be the TAB, bookmakers, a local courtesy bus running, catering and bar services, and music playing throughout the day.
