Champion New Zealand apprentice jockey Sam Weatherley will relocate to Sydney to join the Chris Waller stable for a three-month stint after Saturday’s Ruakaka meeting.
The 19-year-old won the 2016-17 apprentice premiership with 67 wins and is likely to defend his title despite missing the final six weeks of the season. His 63 wins have him 18 clear of second-placed Jasmine Fawcett.
“I was looking at Australia for a while and originally I looked at Melbourne but then this opportunity came along to join the Waller stable,” Weatherley said.
“He’s obviously the best trainer in Australasia, if not the world.”
Weatherley, who rode outsider Enzo’s Lad to a shock victory in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham in January, is pleased with his season to date and looking forward to the challenge of riding in Sydney.
“I’ve had a very good season and ridden a lot of winners and got a major down in Wellington, which was a big thrill.
“I’ve got to do the right thing. I don’t know how long I am going to be in this game, so I will try and make a bit of money while I can.”
“My weight is okay, and I can get down to 53kgs, but I have put on a lot of weight since I first started. I have got a lot taller, which was probably always going to happen, but I probably didn’t think it was going to happen this quickly, but we will work through it.”
“If it goes well, I’d love to stay on and have a crack over there.”