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Phillip and Tommy Stokes partnership strikes early with Bold Secret as Noel Callow returns a winner in South Australia
Tyler Maund from Punters
Phillip and Tommy Stokes secured their first win as a training duo at Morphettville on Saturday, as comeback jockey Noel Callow announced himself to Adelaide’s riding ranks.
Callow guided Bold Secret ($2.60 Sportsbet) to a comfortable two-length win in a Benchmark 66 (1400m) on the Parks circuit, the five-time Group 1-winning hoop’s first winner in over a year after serving a 10-month suspension.
It marked the beginning of a new era for the Stokes team, with Phillip welcoming eldest son, Tommy, into a co-training partnership for the new racing season and beyond.
Younger brother, Kerrin, who heads his family’s Adelaide operation, described Saturday’s result as “very special”.
Noel Callow (left) and Kerrin Stokes celebrate a win at Morphettville on Saturday. Picture: Makoto Kaneko Source: Punters
“A first win for the partnership is great, we got a win for Tommy which is good,” Kerrin Stokes said.
“A special mention to the ownership group as well, it’s probably a special win, the Board family were very important to dad when he first started off, Terry is on course.
“Now that Tommy is involved, it’s a big full circle moment.
“Noel has been out of the saddle for awhile and credit to him, he’s been rocking up to trackwork, working hard, and we are happy to reward him.
“He rode that a treat and gave him every chance.”
Seeking a fresh start back home in South Australia, Callow, who has ridden 2019 winners across 35 years in the saddle, has been putting in the hard yards for the Stokes stable in recent months.
“It’s nice to ride a winner for Phillip because he’s supported me a lot,” Callow said.
“I’ve been going for three months – I’m enjoying being back – my parents are loving having me here.
“I’m just thankful for Phillip Stokes, for giving me the opportunity – it’s good to be home.”
