Leandro Ribeiro created history in 2022/23, with the amateur jockey registering the most remarkable season ever witnessed on the NSW picnic racing scene.
While taking just 126 rides, the 38-year-old rode at an incredible 42.9% win rate, bringing up a record 54 winners for the season.
He also became the first picnic jockey to win over $300,000 in prize money ($302,450).
The Brazilian-born hoop, who has only been race-riding in Australia since mid-2020, works as a trackwork rider for Gary Portelli, and he never envisioned such a season, admitting that many things worked out in his favour.
“No, I never thought I’d get that many winners; it has been an incredible season,” Ribeiro replied when asked about his exploits in the saddle.
“I couldn’t be more delighted. I had great results all year, and to ride 54 winners in total; it was perfect, and everything worked out the way I wanted.
“I had good support, and I was able to get great results at every single meeting.”
Ribeiro enjoyed a season to remember in the saddle, winning the 2022 Picnic Championships final aboard the Connie Greig-trained Hemsted.
He also won the Cobar Cup (Merdeka), Ardlethan Cup (Valadyium), Tomingley Cup (Gossip), Boorowa Cup (Opera Tickets), the Mallawa and Talmoi Bracelets (Billy Bent Ear), Wean Cup (Gossip), and Wean Bracelet (Belle O’ballee).
Still, Ribeiro wants more, and with the wet weather and track conditions leading to many abandonments this season, he’ll aim to improve on his lofty record-setting effort in 2023/24.
“That will be the goal; I want to go better, and every new season is a new challenge,” Ribeiro said.
“It could be harder as there are more jockeys, and it will be more competitive, but I’ll be there to try my best, and hopefully, I can have another great season.”
Ribeiro, who’s won 109 races in Australia, has combined with Dubbo trainer Connie Greig for 55 of those victories, and he admitted that sharing a good connection with NSW’s leading picnic trainer helped his cause.
“She’ll always come to me with instructions and a Plan A, B and C, and she’ll say, if it doesn’t work out, just go with what works,” Ribeiro said.
“She is one of my biggest supporters, but other trainers have been good too, like Rodney Robb, Clint Lundholm, and Darryl Rolfe.”
In 2022/23, Ribeiro’s nearest rival was champion picnic jockey Ricky Blewitt, who won 22 races, and he has much respect for the veteran, while he earmarked a couple of young riders ready to make their mark on the NSW picnic scene in 2023/24.
“To be honest, Ricky is the one; he’s a good rider, and he knows everyone, and people have a lot of respect for him because he is a good guy and an experienced rider,” Ribeiro said.
“Plus, there are a lot of good riders coming through, and Sebastian Galea, he’s had a good start, and I think he has a lot of good tools to be a successful picnic rider.
“You also have Grady Spokes; he is starting out and can ride; I think he will be a big challenge.”
With the new picnic season kicking off at Cobar on August 19, Ribeiro, who’s in a long-term relationship with apprentice and Swedish product Julia Presits, will look to make a winning start, with the recently naturalised Australian not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.
“Australia is my home now; I got my Australian Citizenship, and I think the plan is to keep riding for a few more years before we start training,” Ribeiro said.
“Julia and I, we are a good team; she is my biggest supporter, and she’s got 100% confidence in me, and she is happy when I get results, and I’m happy for her when she is winning, and the main thing is that we have that support for each other.”
For the current picnic calendar, click here.
