By Alan Carasso
Champion Mumbai-based Indian jockey Trevor Patel will break new ground this weekend when he kicks off a stint in Queensland, where he will enjoy the backing of leading trainer Robert Heathcote.
“I always wanted to go and ride outside India for something new,” Patel told Racenet. “My wife has come with me and we will stay for a minimum of three months. I know a little bit about Australian racing and I always like watching the Melbourne Cup and horses like Black Caviar (Aus) and Winx (Aus).”
Champion apprentice in Pune and in Mumbai, Patel, 25, has ridden competitively since 2009 and won the 1000th race of his career at Mysore Aug. 25 (video). One of the highlights of his career is his victory aboard Angel Dust (Ind) (Win Legend {Jpn}) in the 2016 Bangalore Derby (video).
Though the record-keeping is unclear, Patel is believed to be one of only a few Indian jockeys to ride in Australia.
“I've rung around and there might have been one or two Indian jockeys who have ridden in Australia over the years, but no-one is too sure,” Queensland Jockeys Association boss Glen Prentice told Racenet.
Patel tuned up for his upcoming challenge by riding four winners for Heathcote at the Deagon trials Sept. 5. The conditioner, who famously trained Buffering (Aus) (Mossman {Aus}) to win the 2016 G1 Al Quoz Sprint, is set to give Patel his first Australian mount aboard Five Stud Poker (Aus) (Pendragon {NZ}) at the Sunshine Coast this coming Sunday.
Click for a Q&A with Patel from Indiarace.com.
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