Dynamic duo back doing what they do best

Top jockey Corey Brown and Hall Of Fame trainer John Hawkes are back doing what they do best, combining with two winners at Canterbury on Friday night and Saturday at Rosehill.

Prior to Friday night, Brown hadn’t ridden for co-trainers John and his two sons Michael and Wayne Hawkes since he partnered stable stalwart Mentality back in April 2009.

When John Hawkes was the trainer of the powerful Woodlands racing empire, he was the main reason behind Brown winning his sole Sydney jockeys premiership in the 2001/02 season.

"Welcome back," Michael Hawkes said to Brown after dismounting from Lone Command, the winner of theraces.com.au Handicap (1900m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

At Canterbury on Friday night, they teamed up with the impressive debut winner Straight Gold, who toyed with his rivals for a 4-3/4 length win in the Lynch Flowers Handicap (1100m).

Straight Gold’s win saw his Golden Slipper quote trim up into $21.

It wasn’t as easy at Rosehill on Saturday with Lone Command surviving a protest by Jim Cassidy, the rider of the Chris Waller-trained Our Cannavaro.

Cassidy's protest alleged Lone Command shifted out near the 100 metres causing interference to Our Cannavaro.

"He got outwards, made contact with me and put me on an outward movement," Cassidy told stewards.

"He has taken my running and it was a vital stage of the race."

Brown agreed that Lone Command had shifted out but pointed out to stewards that Our Cannavaro made no impression on the winner over the final 75 metres.

"Jimmy [Cassidy] didn’t miss a beat [with the whip]," John Hawkes added.

Stewards dismissed the objection and the placings stood.

Lone Command defeated Our Cannavaro with Ironstein in third.

Story: Clinton Payne RaceNet

Photo: Martin King Sportpix