Rising star jockey Zac Lloyd is looking forward to the long-awaited return of Headwall when he defends his Concorde Stakes crown at Randwick next month.
The sprinter has earned more than $1.6 million in his last five racecourse appearances, having placed in the TJ Smith, finished runner-up in the Newmarket and The Quokka, and won last year’s Concorde Stakes.
It is the resume of an Everest contender, but that chance was taken away when he injured a hind leg in a track gallop, which has sidelined him since last spring.
“Matt Smith has been patient with him and given him a good grounding, and I think he might even be better now than last year,” said Lloyd, after sitting against Headwall for third behind Apocalyptic in a Rosehill barrier trial on Friday.
WATCH: The trial won by Apocalyptic
1⃣ Apocalyptic
2⃣ Chilly Girl
3⃣ HeadwallA solid trial win for the @MFreedmanRacing mare, taking out a 900m Rosehill heat on Friday. Behind the placings were Private Eye, Screen Icon, Generosity, Mal Coupe and Lazzura. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/aLV6yM5DHj
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 6, 2026
“He feels so good, and I can’t wait to see him at the races.
”There has been no rush with him, and it has really helped him.”
Lloyd kept a good grip on Headwall to the line, but the power was obvious.
“He was a little unlucky in a TJ and in the Quokka, we probably just got there too soon that day, so his resume could look a lot better,” Lloyd said.
“When they have a long time off like him, you want to see under pressure in a race, but he is exciting heading to the Concorde given where he could go.”
Tommy Berry, who won the trial on Apocalyptic, went home happy as well, with the four-year-old to be kept to sprinting trips this time in.
“She is sharp, and you will see her in a couple of weeks at the races,” Berry said. “I think the plan is to get her up to only 1400m this prep, but there are plenty of nice races for her.”
Earlier, Lloyd spun around Queen Of The Turf winner Idle Flyer, who finished a couple of lengths from Matcha Latte in the opening trial at Rosehill.
“They are both in great order, but Idle Flyer enjoyed her morning out,” Lloyd said. “I’m unfortunately going to miss her first run back in the Show County [Stakes at Randwick on August 22] because I’ll be in Japan for the Jockey series.
“It’s such a good opportunity, but I knew I would be giving up Idle Flyer for someone to ride to go there, which made it tough.
“She is just getting better.”
