Kiwi hoop Wiremu Pinn made an instant impact when trying his hand riding in Melbourne a couple of years ago, and now he is hoping he can do the same in Sydney.
The 26-year-old flew across the Tasman last week to commence a winter riding stint in New South Wales, and if everything goes to plan, it may be a one-way ticket.
It brings to a close a pleasing season in his homeland, where Pinn recorded 40 wins, eight of those at stakes level, including two Group One victories aboard El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking), and he accrued more than $2.8 million in prizemoney.
Like many young Kiwi riders, Pinn had an itch to test his talent in Australia, and while he scratched it slightly a couple of years ago, he wasn’t satisfied, and he is excited to try his luck once more.
Pinn was an apprentice during his initial stint in Australia in 2023, where he was indentured to Michael Kent in Cranbourne, and he enjoyed several highlights, including victory aboard the New Zealand-bred Dolphin Skin (NZ) (Telperion) in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m).
While Pinn intended to make the move permanent, his partner, former New Zealand Champion Apprentice Tayla Mitchell, wasn’t granted a license, so the couple elected to return home last year.
“I was doing pretty well over there and wanted to stay, but I didn’t want to hold her (Mitchell) back from having a future,” Pinn said. “She wants to ride as well, so I don’t want to stop her from doing that just because I am doing well. I can always go home and ride and that was the reason for coming home.”
Pinn has enjoyed riding back in New Zealand, but with winter fast approaching, he felt it was the opportune time to test the waters in Sydney.
“It (riding in Sydney) was always in the back of my mind,” Pinn said. “I seemed to do pretty well in Melbourne and racing in New Zealand over winter quietens down, and the prizemoney is pretty good here in Syndey, so I thought I would come over and have a crack.
“I have a few mates that used to ride in New Zealand that have been a big help pushing me to get here. Rory Hutchings and Lee Magorrian have been a massive help to me.”
Many expat Kiwis have made a name for themselves in Sydney racing, headlined by Champion trainer Chris Waller, and Pinn has aligned himself with the former Foxton horseman.
“I am going to base myself with Chris (Waller) and I am going to prioritise him,” Pinn said. “If he needs me, I will show up to his place, but I am happy to go and ride outside work for people that want to give me rides.
“I have still got some old connections from Melbourne that are happy to support me and there are a few Kiwi trainers over here that will hopefully give me some rides.
“I am just going to put my head down and work hard for them and give it a good crack, I am not here to muck around.”
Pinn was straight to business when he landed in Sydney last week, and he is hopeful of picking up a few rides at Rosehill this weekend.
“I came over last Wednesday and rode trials on Thursday, and I might have a few rides this Saturday at Rosehill,” he said.
While Pinn is only planning a winter stint in Sydney, he is keeping his options open and isn’t against a permanent move to the racing stronghold.
“Riding over here is the next level and I feel like I am ready for that at this stage of my career,” he said.