HE was unraced and unnamed as a three-year-old and cost only $600 online.
And at Port Macquarie yesterday he broke through for his first win – and has now returned his owner and trainer Shaun Harvey just over $25,000.
Wyong-based Harvey also had Don’t Tell Jack engaged at his home track meeting today, but decided to head north and achieved the desired result, though only just.
Don’t Forget Jack’s Maiden Handicap (1006m) was the second race on the program, and no further races were run after jockeys expressed concern with a section of the track.
“Thankfully we were able to run the second race, and Don’t Tell Jack did a terrific job to win,” Harvey said this morning.
“It was a very tough effort as there was a real battle for the lead in the first few hundred metres, and he still found enough at the end to hold them off.”
Harvey pulled the right rein in ringing Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn to ask if his apprentice Jett Newman could ride his four-year-old Sebring Sun gelding.
“I’ve been watching Jett ride, and was impressed with what I saw,” Harvey said.
“Her 3kg allowance proved very handy on a horse who likes to roll along.”
Newman, the daughter of former leading apprentice and later successful trainer Mitch Newman, began riding in races early last month and has already posted eight wins.
Harvey decided to buy Don’t Tell Jack when he saw him advertised online in March last year.
“Being a brother to Sumo Fish (who has won his last four starts including the Mid North Coast Qualifier of the Country Championships at Port Macquarie on February 16), I thought he was worth a punt for only $600,” he said.
Don’t Tell Jack was having his 11th start, had been placed twice and his trainer opted to put blinkers on him for his Port Macquarie assignment.
Harvey has brought his first winner Buckin’ Rippa back into work, and is keen to help apprentice Bronte Simpson gain her ticket to start riding in races.
“Bronte is apprenticed to Sara Ryan and rides Buckin’ Rippa trackwork,” he said.
“I gave Buckin’ Rippa a good break after he won for me at Walcha 12 months ago as I was educating a couple of two-year-olds.
“He will be ready to trial shortly, and Bronte will ride him, and hopefully be able to begin her career soon afterwards.”
HOOFNOTE: Harvey praised fellow Wyong apprentice Lauren Van Tijn, who rode and helped educate Don’t Tell Jack in his first preparation, especially when he wasn’t the easiest horse to handle.
Story John Curtis, March 12, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos
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