Veteran jockey Kevin Sweeney has propelled himself into contention for the Canberra Jockey’s Premiership after a spectacular day of riding yesterday.

The 57-year-old won four of his six races at Thoroughbred Park , placing himself in the lead for the Premiership title.

“I didn’t really expect I would be as competitive as I was,” Sweeney admitted.

“I knew I had some genuine chances though without being overly confident.

“Things don’t always go as you would expect in racing.

“I wasn’t riding any better yesterday then I have been recently.

“Things just fell into place nicely and I was just in the zone I suppose.”

After his successful book of rides, Sweeney believes he can hang on to his lead and win the Jockey’s Premiership over last season’s winner Brendan Ward.

“I think I’m definitely a chance,” he said.

“I was a bit quiet last season when he was really dominate, and the season before that I only went down by half a win.

“The stables I’m riding for at the moment are performing a bit better than the ones he is riding for.

“I’m just getting the better rides, but it’s still early days and anything can happen.”

Sweeney has currently posted victory aboard nine of his 41 rides for the season and has a strike-rate of 22%.