Austin Galati is raring to hit the ground running after a two-month injury layoff and he’s hopeful the launch of the new season can reach the same heights as the past 12-months.
Galati capped a stellar 2024-25 season with a career-best 63 winners, but the undoubted highlight came at Pinjarra when he partnered exciting galloper Smooth Chino to a breakthrough Listed win in the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1200m) last February.
Smooth Chino, prepared by Albany-based trainer, Indianna Weinert, stamped himself as a serious talent when he came from the clouds, launching down the middle of the track to keep his unbeaten record in tact in breathtaking fashion.
It was a special win for Galati, who has battled for opportunies throughout his young career, but is universally admired for his work ethic and dedication, a maiden feature victory fitting reward for his persistence and professionalism.
Galati was thrilled to have a played a part in Smooth Chino’s rise and unbeaten maiden campaign, declaring the explosive Magic Millions triumph as the high point of a personally rewarding season.
“He’s back in work and hopefully comes back better and we’ll see where he can go,” Galati said to Racing WA.
“His win was something, it was pretty special.
“He doesn’t have to improve much, but if he does it’s a bonus.
“The highlight of the season for sure and it was good to have a year like that.
“Even to get some of those metro winners too, it was pretty exciting.
“Obviously I was riding a lot better, and it was working out well.
“Getting better with connections also, getting support and getting better rides.
“It was so good to have the year I had.
“I’m keen to raise the bar and have another crack.”
Injury is the enemy of all sportspeople, but for Galati, it offered a rare chance to rest.
The break gave him time to refresh both mind and body after a gruelling season in the saddle.
“Yeah, had time out with ankle surgery,” Galati said.
“It was always planned but I thought it was the best time to get it done in the winter.
“It was a good break but I needed it.
“It was a great season but I worked for it.
“I thought coming into winter I’d take a break and come back refreshed.
“I’m eager to get back amongst it again.”
Galati, who hasn’t ridden in a competitive race since May, marks a fresh chapter for the new season at Carnarvon on Friday before chasing Port Hedland Cup glory on Sunday.
Galati has been booked to ride Falcon Trader in the $60,000 Port Hedland Cup, with the gelding coming off a third placing behind Zadar Rock in last week’s Roebourne Cup.
Falcon Trader and Zadar Rock shoulder the 62kg topweight with the latter entering the race in red-hot form, having won four of five starts this campaign.
Galati believes Zadar Rock is the horse to beat in the Port Hedland Cup.
“He (Falcon Trader) ran a nice race the other day, but I think Zadar Rock is going to be hard to beat again,” Galati said.
Julio Santarelli