Racing: 'Overweight' Sasada thriving in New Zealand

Saturday's racing was all about personalities and international talent.

A 20-year-old Japanese apprentice, Tommy Sasada, hogged the headlines at Manawatu; New Zealand surfing champion Maz Quinn featured; former Irish stayer American Gothic landed a $60,000 punt; and Mick Jagger and former wife Bianca were honoured in the feature at Ellerslie.

Tomohiro (call me Tommy) Sasada, who didn't even get the chance to make the grade in Japan because he was considered too heavy at 47kg, showed he has true potential with his Awapuni winning treble.

He rode his first winner in mid-April and on Saturday guided Banchiere to a stylish victory in shocking conditions in the $50,000 Savabeel Marton 1600.

Sasada beat the odds to be included in Japan's riding academy, but was asked to leave after a year and a half because he could not get his weight down to the accepted 44kg, remarkably light by any international racing standard.

"It's very difficult to get into riding school in Japan," said Sasada in very good English.

Which is almost certainly why we are seeing a marked increase in Japanese apprentices trying their luck in Australia and New Zealand.

Masa Tanaka, 22, rode his first winner at Ellerslie on Saturday when Delta Lady ploughed through the heavy conditions better than her opposition.

Tanaka, attached to the Autridge/Rogerson stable, is a product of one of the two international riders' academies in Queensland.

One of those, controlled by Queensland Racing and located at Deagan, is being allowed to lapse and the second academy on the Gold Coast is not the force it was.

The two schools produced two of Brisbane's mid-range jockeys, Nozi Tomizawa and Kenji Yoshida.

When youngsters make their first move towards becoming a jockey in Japan, it is not unusual for them to be putting their hands on an animal for the first time - particularly those from big cities such as Tokyo.

That was not the case for Sasada, who was raised in an apartment at the stables his father managed and rode trackwork for.

His grandfather, Yuji Ito, was a trainer at Rito.

Sasada spent nearly 2 1/2 years with Cambridge horseman Jeff McVean, who suggested he might be better placed in the Central Districts.

Foxton trainer Dave Haworth got Banchiere and Sasada off McVean and the Japanese had his first raceday ride only two months ago.

Sasada gave a victory whoop with his whip as Banchiere crossed the finish line on Saturday, but he said it wasn't for him.

"People tell me I'm a good jockey - I don't think like that. To me I'm a 4kg claiming apprentice.

"Mr Haworth works very hard to get me good rides, [when I waved the whip] I just wanted to say thank you."

Haworth rates Sasada highly as an individual and a pleasure to have around.

Young Japanese riders in Australia and New Zealand display a remarkable work ethic.

Sasada might be humble, but he has plans - he wants to ride in Europe when he finishes his apprenticeship in New Zealand.

"My father wants me to return to Japan, but I'm still young and I want to travel."

He does not see himself riding once he gets back to Japan.

"The paper tests I would have to sit are very difficult."

The best jockey he has seen in New Zealand? "Ummm, ummm, Michael Walker, Opie Bosson, Lisa Cropp and Leith Innes."

Yeah, some talent to follow there.