Du Plessis back from riding stint in Japan

Jockey Mark Du Plessis had to work overtime to make an impression in Japan and his efforts were rewarded with a memorable riding stint.

The internationally-successful New Zealand jockey returned home on Thursday after completing his initial two-month contract, which was extended by three weeks.

Du Plessis will resume his New Zealand career, on August 13 on Foxbridge Plate day at Te Rapa.

He found his time in Japan testing. ‘‘It was very hard at first, but I did expect that and I was thrown all the bones no one else wanted,’’ Du Plessis said.