Emotional Scott Wins Corrigan Medal

Wednesday, 21 August 2002 00:00

Brilliant cross country jockey Brett Scott has won his second Tommy Corrigan Medal for Victoria's best jumps jockey announced at the Scobie Breasley Medal presentation in Melbourne tonight.

Scott polled 45 votes, two more than his main rival Craig Durden who polled 43.

An emotional Scott wiped away the tears as he was presented with his second Corrigan Medal by Racing Victoria chief Graham Duff. He also won in 1998.

Scott paid tribute to his family and leading New Zealand trainer John Wheeler, for whom he is the Melbourne stable foreman.

"Well, what a night," Scott said before thanking trainers and owners for their support. "Special thanks to John (Wheeler), who's a great trainer and a great friend."

Scott reflected on a season where he came back from a serious injury earlier in the year.

"The season has had its highs and lows, I've sat on some great horses and had some good wins and had great thrills," he reflected.

"I'd also like to thank John Adams and AJRA committee for their great work for ensuring winter racing is kept alive for the jumps racing. With support from the right people it should stay that way and I hope it does."

Scott also paid special tribute to the neurosurgeon who performed his back operation during the early stages of the year.

"If it wasn't for Greg I wouldn't be standing here with this award tonight," Scott added.

Scott won a number of highlight races during the season including the Australian and Grand National Steeple double on Crafty Dancer and the Hiskens Steeplechase on the champion jumper St. Steven.

He edged out Durden in the metro jumping premiership, wrapping up the title by winning the final race of the season the Hiskens. Durden and Scott finished locked together on wins, but superior placings gave Scott that title as well.

TOP FIVE VOTEGETTERS

Brett Scott 45
Craig Durden 43
Martin Mills 22
Willy Harnett 21
Ricky Maund 17

PIC - Quentin Lang.