Three of New Zealand’s best gallopers are likely to need new jockeys when Group 1 racing is launched for the new season.
New partners are nearly confirmed for Imperatriz and Sharp ‘N’ Smart but Saturday’s Foxbridge Plate winner Dragon Leap is still without a jockey for the Tarzino Trophy at Hastings on September 9.
That date not only sees many of New Zealand’s elite gallopers clash at Hastings, but also Imperatriz returns in the A$300,000 Ian McEwen Stakes at The Valley in Melbourne, where expat jockey Mick Dee should be called on to ride.
“Opie [Bosson] is still her regular rider but we have a lot of good horses going to Hastings that day, so we prefer to have him here that day,” says trainer Mark Walker.
“We have Skew Wiff in the Tarzino and Tokyo Tycoon returning to racing that day, so Opie will ride them and we are almost certain to have Mick Dee on Imperatriz in Melbourne.”