Brandon Stockdale complete his double on Catch That Cat (Image: Racing Photos)
Brandon Stockdale used a maiden metropolitan double on Saturday’s winter card at The Valley to announce himself as the next rising star of the Victorian apprentice ranks.
After giving his father, Sale horseman Frankie Stockdale, a maiden city win with Unique Lovely early on the card, the 18-year-old closed out the program with a daring ride to score on consistent mare Catch That Cat for Echuca trainer Gwenda Johnstone.
Stockdale, who still holds a three kilogram metropolitan claim, said he was hopeful the double would pave the way for a fruitful winter period after a frustrating run of injury and suspensions.
WATCH: Catch That Cat hold on in a thrilling finish
“It’s a bit of a thrill to get my first city double, and it makes it special when one was for the old man,” Stockdale said.
“I haven’t had the best luck with injury and just recently I got suspended so it’s good to get some momentum going.
“A few of the other boys are not far off out-riding their claims and I still claim three kilograms so hopefully I can get a good go over the winter.”
Stockdale has ridden 101 careers winners, including 15 in Melbourne.