CAMPBELL Rawiller knows he will sleep well on Sunday night as he prepares for the busiest day of his riding career.
Rawiller will ride in the six jumps races at Warrnambool on Sunday and then the final two flat races.
Rawiller can’t wait for the day and said he’s fit enough to handle it.
“I’ve got a good book. A lot of them handle the wet which is a bonus,” Rawiller said.
He will be on the horse which launched his career Circle The Sun in the feature hurdle event on the program, the Carter Group Lafferty Hurdle (3200m).
Rawiller, the son of champion jockey Nash Rawiller, is amazed to be riding a horse as talented as Circle The Sun in the first few months of his career as a jumps rider.
“Circle The Sun was my first ride and my first winner. That was massive for me getting that opportunity. I actually asked Mr Eric Musgrove as to whether I should be riding him and he said I get on so well with the horse, you’re the man for the job,” he said.
Circle The Sun and Rawiller won their jumps debut at Pakenham in April and followed that with a victory at Warrnambool.
He also gave Rawiller his first feature jumps win when they combined to win the Australian Hurdle on May 21 at Sandown Lakeside.
“It’s exciting riding for a legendary jumps trainer and his ownership group which includes Piers Morgan and Caleb Bond and the rest of them have been phenomenal.
“I’m so lucky to have such an association with a good horse like The Autumn Sun so early in my career. He’s only going to keep improving with his jumping. I’m so thrilled that I’m part of the story.”
“It’s a big advantage going into Sunday knowing he can handle the wet. He’s fit and that was a really strong run on the flat the other day.”
Rawiller will also ride Historic for Amy McDonald in the Hammonds Paint Thackeray Steeplechase (3450 metres).
“It’s going to be a task but he loves the ‘Bool and he loves a heavy track. He’s one of the nicest jumpers I’ve ridden and I think he’ll run a cheeky race.”
Rawiller has ridden seven jumps winners and is second behind Aaron Kuru on 11 winners in the race for Jumps Jockeys Premiership.
The former top flat apprentice is loving riding over the jumps.
Rawiller said he was overwhelmed by the assistance he had received from the jumps industry.
“Steve Pateman has been a massive help. He was the person I went to when I first decided to ride over the jumps. He and Jess were great to me and very helpful,” Rawiller said.
“My close friend Clayton Douglas was also a big help. He knows the challenges I’ve faced and he’s given me great support.
“A lot of the jockeys have helped me. The pool we have here includes so many experienced riders. Willie McCarthy has been a big help. If he sees something he’ll let me know.”
