With the imminent departure of "the dazzler" Darren Beadman to the ultra-competitive cauldron of Hong Kong, it is probably an appropriate time to speculate which rider/riders will ascend to the lucrative position of No1 rider for the powerful Ingham/Hawkes racing empire.
I would like to nominate Michael Rodd as I believe he has matured as a very competent rider who may reach even further heights if all the resources of this "power" stable are made available to him.
There is speculation around racing circles that the Ingham family, after closing their Brisbane operation are now scrutinizing the longterm financial viability of their Melbourne stable and infrastructure. If they downsized, or, heaven forbid, closed their Melbourne satellite stable it would deal a very painful blow to the racing industry in that state. Times have changed dramatically in the last decade as costs have spiralled and disasters such as the EI outbreak/scourge have the potential to bring thoroughbred racing to it's knees.
However, we remain positive that all racing participants will clear this hurdle and move forward and prosper.
Anyone have any ideas about who should be the newly annointed stable rider...if you do have a nomination of your own...please share your thoughts.
In closing....could D. Nikolic be a prime contender?

Cheers.