WELLINGTON - Top jockey Darryl Bradley is headed for Malaysia.
Bradley leaves New Zealand next Wednesday and although details had not been confirmed he was hopeful of gaining a six-month permit.
"I just have to get over there and tidy a few things up," said Bradley.
Bradley said he had discussions with a prominent Malaysian owner on a recent trip to Malaysia and had accepted an offer to ride for him.
"They have suggested that to start with I apply for a six-month permit," Bradley said, adding he would like to stay for longer if things worked well.
The Palmerston North jockey, who topped the 1998-99 New Zealand jockeys' premiership, said he was replacing Australian rider Kevin Forrester who recently incurred a one year riding ban.
Bradley has recently returned from a fortnight in both Malaysia and Mauritius exploring opportunities. He decided Malaysia offered the most.
"I was open-minded. I went to Malaysia and Mauritius hoping to get a contract in either place.
"But Mauritius didn't quite stack up as far as I was concerned."
Bradley said he would be based at Penang and he hoped to be riding as soon as the weekend beginning on September 16.
At the same stable is former New Zealand jockey Phillip Mercer who is a trackwork rider. He said the stable has about 40 horses in full training.
- NZPA
Racing: Bradley off to ride in Malaysia
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