‘He’s a good man’: Waller backs comeback king Nash

Chris Waller has thrown his support behind comeback jockey Nash Rawiller, who will ride for the country’s top group 1 trainer on his very first day back in the saddle on Thursday.

Rawiller, who has been riding trackwork and trials for over a month after being handed a 15-month ban by Hong Kong Jockey Club officials over receiving gifts or money in exchange for tipping horses he rode, is set to return to Sydney racing next Saturday.

It’s likely to come with the backing of the state’s most influential conditioner, who has long enjoyed an association with Rawiller primarily through the deeds of Red Tracer. Rawiller has ridden six group 1 winners for Waller throughout his career.

‘‘He’ll be riding for us at Kembla Grange on Thursday,’’ Waller said. ‘‘The way I see it, Nash has been a big supporter of our stable and has never done anything wrong by our horses. He’s a good man, a good family man and I’m sure he’ll be successful when he comes back.’’

Rawiller’s return comes at the same time heavyweight hoop Blake Shinn leaves Sydney to take up a six-month riding contract in Hong Kong as champion jockey Glen Boss also reignites his career in NSW.

Gok and roll

Speaking of Waller and comebacks, Sydney’s leading trainer knows mentioning Wu Gok (pictured) and Winx in the same breath might sound a little strange.

Yet he knows how important the facilities at Hermitage Park have been in both their careers. Wu Gok ($3.40 fav) made it back-to-back wins on the comeback trail from a tendon injury after downing slow-starting stablemate Dagny ($6.50) in the Eremein Handicap, prompting glowing praise about the team who has helped rehabilitate him.

‘‘He was on the same farm where Winx used to do all her work,’’ Waller said. ‘‘It’s an amazing set-up out there and it’s a big part of horse welfare, making sure they’re well looked after and can recover properly from injuries. He’s back racing thanks to their hard work and facilities.’’