Expat jockey Rory Hutchings has adopted his proven “have saddle, will travel” approach to another summer stint in New Zealand.
Last summer the 30-year-old former champion apprentice made the most of his opportunities with 14 wins from 100 rides, including the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) on local star El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking), and the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) on the Chris Waller-trained raider Konasana.
He has a long-standing relationship with the Waller stable, including a recent stint based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, but has decided to combine family time in Matamata with the chance to compete in lucrative domestic races.
Hutchings’ first busman’s holiday was brought to a premature end when he broke a collarbone in a race fall at Taupo in late February, but that is in no way deterring him from the prospects again on offer.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to recapitalise on what I did last summer,” Hutchings said on Tuesday. “If I can do as well as I did then it would great, and anything on top of that would be a bonus.
“I only flew in yesterday but I was kept busy at the Matamata track this morning riding work for a number of stables. I intend getting across to Cambridge later in the week, so like last year I’m hoping to keep busy and give myself the best chance.”
In early September Hutchings provided a reminder of his ability when responding to a call from Te Akau Racing to ride Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award) in the season’s first Group One race, the Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie.
With an inspired last-to-first ride, he brought the Mark Walker/Sam Bergerson-trained mare home at odds of 35-to-one.
Hutchings also rode at the New Zealand Cup carnival in November, having to settle for a number of placings, but he’s keen to get his name up in feature race lights again, beginning with Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) meeting at Trentham.
“I’ve been fortunate to pick up the ride on Ladies Man in the big race, so after what he did last year it would great if he can make it back-to-back wins.
“I’m also riding Our Echo in the Spring Sprint (Gr.3, 1400m) and looking at his form, especially at Trentham, he should be a good ride too.”
Hutchings, who has committed to riding at 56 kilograms, has again engaged Aidan Rodley to manage his bookings.