Winter is often the time for apprentice jockeys to shine, and they will get the full spotlight on Thursday when they compete at New Plymouth’s apprentice only day.
The eight-race card will exclusively feature apprentice jockeys, who will travel to Taranaki from all corners of the country to showcase their talent.
In-form Cambridge apprentice Rihaan Goyaram is particularly looking forward to heading south, where he will have a full book of rides.
The 21-year-old currently sits on 32 wins for the season, having taken out the opening event on the Cambridge Synthetic on Wednesday, extending his golden run of form of late.
The expat Mauritian was out of action for the majority of this year and he is making the most of his opportunities now that he is back in the saddle.
“I broke my ankle in January,” he said. “I had surgery and I was off for nearly four months. I was back riding in autumn. The leg is alright now, I have got some screws in, but it has been going well.
“I am riding work for a few trainers in Cambridge, including Andrew Forsman, Stephen Marsh, Shaun Phelan, Colm Murray and Shaune Ritchie. They have all been a big help.
“I hope to outride my three-kilo claim soon, I only need four more wins (three following Wednesday’s win).”
He may get that opportunity on Thursday, with eight rides, including four for his employer Ralph Manning.
“It looks like I have a really good book of rides tomorrow, so I am really looking forward to it,” Goyaram said. “My biggest supporter is my boss, Mr Ralph Manning, and he has been a massive help from day one.”
Goyaram’s first mount for the stable will be last-start winner Dancin In The Dark in the One Bold Cat @ Arrowfield R65 (2000m), while his other rides for Manning include Small Town Girl in The Bold One @ Grangewilliam Stud Maiden 2YO & Up (1600m), Super Wraith in the Leica Lucy 2024/2025 Season Winner Filly Of The Year R65 (1400m), and Niagara Sky in the Robbie Patterson & Regal Lodge R75 (1200m).
“Dancin In The Dark is a last start winner and won on a Heavy9 track. Tomorrow we have drawn one, and it’s a Heavy10. I think he is a good chance,” Goyaram said.
“Small Town Girl ran a good second last start. We have drawn decent (8), and she will like the ground tomorrow.
“Niagara Sky is fresh-up and should like the track, she is a wet-tracker, and Super Wraith ran a decent race last start and if he can cope with the track tomorrow, he will run well too.” Local trainer Allan Sharrock is also supporting Goyaram with three rides, while Marton trainer Fraser Auret has engaged him to ride debutant Not So Unusual in the opening race of the card.