Racing: Weighty issues in past for Sweeney

Mark Sweeney was just about to crack open a beer in the back of a mate's car coming home from the Wednesday Dargaville races two weeks ago when he fielded a call from Matamata trainer Mark Walker.

Could he ride Etoile Du Nord in the Counties Cup on Saturday at 50kg?

It was several years since Sweeney had ridden that light.

He looked at the condensation on the beer can, thought about his thirst and having to waste and wanted to say no.

He said yes.

"I nearly said no, and then I thought, to hell with it, I'm going to do this for me - I'm going to prove a point.

"It's far too easy to become complacent as a jockey."

Sweeney tore into his task so determinedly for the next 48 hours he was shocked when he got on the Ellerslie scales on Counties Cup day.

"I could have ridden at 49kg. Normally I don't do below 52kg."

Sweeney was so pleased with himself he decided to keep the weight off and today he goes around in the $150,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Avondale Cup on live chance Wings On Fire at 51kg.

And the mare might be a better hope than her fair formline suggests.

This time last year she looked close enough to New Zealand's most promising stayer.

Trainer Robert Priscott has given Wings On Fire a thorough preparation and may have timed it perfectly for the big one.

"She might just be taking a race or two more to come up as a 5-year-old this time."

Wings On Fire was only half a length from winner Our Kitty in fourth place at Ellerslie last start after having to go wide on the home bend when improving.

She got back into the field from the emergency list yesterday when topweight Bocelli was withdrawn.

The extremely wide barrier draw does not look inviting on paper, but may not be hugely influential.

"It might be a little bit tough, but she has to drop back anyway," said Sweeney.

* Stanica was the $5 favourite with the TAB last night, just ahead of defending champion Regal Krona at $5.50 and All's Well at $8.