Teo Nugent wasn’t born when Carlton won its last AFL Premiership in 1995.
For 27 years the Group 1-winning jockey has willed his beloved Baggers to the ultimate success and, like many long-suffering supporters of the club, he’s bullish that 2026 can be their year.
In the meantime, Nugent can deliver some of his Princes Park heroes silverware of a different kind when he rides a horse part-owned by current and past Carlton stars in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.
The Baggers Naggers syndicate race a small share in the Chris Waller-trained Birdman, who lines up as a $19 chance in the iconic 2400m handicap.
Included in the syndicate, which was recruited via Carlton diehard and managing owner Ozzie Kheir, are Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering and Sam Docherty, as well as past stars Chris Judd and Marc Murphy.
Nugent said he has genuine belief the horse can be in the finish after an eye-catching run in the G1 Metropolitan in Sydney last start.
“I’m super thrilled with the opportunity, especially to be teaming up with Chris Waller because we have a great record in these biggies,” Nugent said.
“It’s great to be sporting these colours for Ozzie Kheir, John O’Neill and the crew.”
“It was a big run (last start), he drew wide and had to go back and even on the point of the corner he was next to last.”
“He had the second fastest closing splits of the race so that should hold me in good stead.”
“He seems pretty adaptable and from barrier 10, I’d love to be midfield at worst but I’ll ride the race and see where we end up.”
Nugent’s opportunity comes off the back of a fast start to the season in which he has already ridden 23 winners.
His ability to comfortably ride at 52.5kg was also a key factor in his booking.
“I definitely think I’m in career best form,” he said.
“When I team up with the stable, we’re going at about 22%.”
“I love these big races, they seem to bring me alive and I’m lucky because I can get down and ride pretty light.”
