Christopher Dell
Trish Dunell
Christopher Dell has made a winning start to his career as a senior jockey in New Zealand with his tenure here to depend on his future success.
The 24-year-old was successful aboard the Janelle Millar-trained Effectav at Awapuni last weekend in his first day back riding here after an enjoyable stint in Queensland.
"I rode my last winner Tequila Sunrise for Janelle at New Plymouth before I went to Australia and we've kept in touch ever since," he said.
Dell won 96 races, including two at black-type level, before he left in March to continue his apprenticeship with Eagle Farm trainer David Murphy.
"I'm not sure how long I'll be back for at this stage – if I can get on a roll then I'd obviously stay," he said.
"I've been a senior since I came out of my time in August and I started off well until I got a 12 day suspension and that sat me back a bit.
"It's hard to make a living when you're only getting three or four rides a week so I decided to come home to freshen up. I would like to go back to Queensland at some stage, it's a lovely place."
In the meantime, Dell will ride last-start placegetter Freewheeler for his father Kevin in the AJC Members' 2000 at Avondale on Wednesday.
"He stepped up to 2100 metres and showed his ability, but he's got more tricks than a joker," he said.
"Knowing him like I do after riding him all the time earlier on will help a huge amount." – NZ Racing Desk.
The 24-year-old was successful aboard the Janelle Millar-trained Effectav at Awapuni last weekend in his first day back riding here after an enjoyable stint in Queensland.
"I rode my last winner Tequila Sunrise for Janelle at New Plymouth before I went to Australia and we've kept in touch ever since," he said.
Dell won 96 races, including two at black-type level, before he left in March to continue his apprenticeship with Eagle Farm trainer David Murphy.
"I'm not sure how long I'll be back for at this stage – if I can get on a roll then I'd obviously stay," he said.
"I've been a senior since I came out of my time in August and I started off well until I got a 12 day suspension and that sat me back a bit.
"It's hard to make a living when you're only getting three or four rides a week so I decided to come home to freshen up. I would like to go back to Queensland at some stage, it's a lovely place."
In the meantime, Dell will ride last-start placegetter Freewheeler for his father Kevin in the AJC Members' 2000 at Avondale on Wednesday.
"He stepped up to 2100 metres and showed his ability, but he's got more tricks than a joker," he said.
"Knowing him like I do after riding him all the time earlier on will help a huge amount." – NZ Racing Desk.