Carleen Hefel renews successful partnership with New York Lustre in Carlyon Stakes at The Valley

Hefel was involved early development of the now stakes-placed Enver Jusufovic-trained mare, rode her first four starts including maiden win, before an injury last year ended the association.

Being in the right place at the right time this week, has afforded Hefel, who also piloted New York Lustre to a 1000m win at The Valley on April 26, a welcomed recall.

“I was at EJ’s (Tuesday trackwork) and actually galloped (New York Lustre),” Hefel said.

“I asked ‘who’s the jock?’ and he said he would confirm.

“He texted me later and said Michael (Howard) the owner is happy to put me back on.

“It’s nice to ride her again … I did her trials, broke her maiden and then I went out injured and a few others took over, I rode her when she won at Moonee Valley.

“She wants to win and every time the bar gets raised for her, she steps up.”

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New York Lustre is a $6 third elect on Saturday behind Oak Hill ($2.50) and Baraqiel ($4.80).

New York Lustre placed second in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) two back and then fourth in the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) under jockey Jamie Melham.

A timely stakes win would boost New York Lustre’s value as a broodmare after racing and potentially help Hefel attract greater opportunities in the metropolitan arena.

Hefel has been working hard on the country circuit to navigate the transition from apprentice to senior jockey.

Hefel has ridden more than 300 career winners including 40 last season.

A successful and award-winning apprenticeship included significant milestones – five stakes winners and outriding her claim.

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“I don’t get tangled up in it.” Hefel said of the career crossroad all former apprentices face.

“I’m a realist, I know where I am at the moment and I know it’s just what happens in racing.

“I’ve got to chip away with my own career and take every opportunity I can, knowing it might not be this season (regular rides and success in the city) but maybe next season.

“I’ve got to keep putting my head down, keep working and keep improving … I want to try and get a few more winners than last season.”

Hefel has covered a lot of ground the past month alone, with race rides at Cranbourne, Hamilton, Geelong, Echuca, Bairnsdale, Warracknabeal, Sale and Pakenham.

“I’m willing to go wherever I need to go to get the rides and the winners,” Hefel said.

“We all know it’s tough around this time of year, you got to stick to your lane, keep proving yourself and go where you need to go, it’s sort of where I’m at.

“It’s nice EJ has given me this ride, he’s been really supportive throughout my whole career.”

New York Lustre is Hefel’s only ride on Saturday at The Valley.

“In and out, a win would be all right, one ride, one win,” Hefel laughed.

“Pretty happy I’ve got a nice close trip this Saturday.”

Originally published as Carleen Hefel renews successful partnership with New York Lustre in Carlyon Stakes at The Valley