RACING
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Adrian Layt says a move back to Sydney and more rides at Kembla Grange are paying dividends after saluting aboard Flying Impulse in Kembla's opening race of 2013 on Saturday.
The veteran hoop, who has ridden all over the world including England, China and New Caledonia, says the move from his base at Queanbeyan to Sydney had been a positive one.
"I was riding for my dad [Neville] in Queanbeyan, but the opportunities weren't quite what they used to be so I moved to Sydney and have been riding freelance since August.
"Generally, I ride Rosehill and Warwick Farm twice a week plus provincials and Kembla is a great place to come to. I've maybe had 15-odd winners here since August and you know what you get at Kembla: a big open track, plenty of room and some good horses come through here."
Riding for Warwick Farm-based Rick Worthington, three-year-old gelding Flying Impulse broke through at his fifth start, holding off Gwenda Markwell's first starter Zaminga in a blanket finish.
"In the past he's hit the front and not finished off and this time we got some cover and he ran on OK," Layt said.
"I hit the front a little early, but he kept fighting."
A small crowd turned out for Kembla's first meeting of the year, featuring a seven-race card.
Kembla trainer Erwin Takacs and Jon Grisedale combined for Judaea to overcome a wide gate for an impressive breakthrough win in the Mount Warrigal Maiden Handicap.
Last season's champion jockey, Grant Buckley, edged closer to this season's leader, Jeff Penza, with a double.
Buckley booted home Realms ($6.90) for top Sydney trainer Peter Snowden in the Woonona Plate Maiden (1500 metres) then saluted for Bede Murray aboard the well-backed Doubt Not ($5.70) in the main race, the Class 2 Mullet Creek Mile.