Barend goes to Oz
SOUTH Australian jockey ranks will be boosted with the news that Singaporebased, South African-born Barend Vorster will be moving to Australia to ride for leading trainer Tony McEvoy.
McEvoy put out an expression of interest in November last year, after South Australia’s leading jockey Jamie Kah decided to freelance, rather than be committed to the McEvoy stable.
While receiving interest from some well-established jockeys based in Victoria, Vorster was the clear top selection for McEvoy.
"At 41 year-of-age, he brings a wealth of experience having ridden all over the world and he’s an easy sell to all of my owners," McEvoy said.
His experience and knowledge will be greatly appreciated in the South Australian jockey ranks, having ridden in over 6 000 races, winning four Group 1s, four Group 2s and 15 Group 3 races.
"As we are essentially replacing Jamie Kah, we needed someone who is different to her and someone who is better than her, Vorster is the package deal,” McEvoy said.
“He’s ridden all over the world, he can get down to 50kg, he’s strong with both hands, and he’s just at an elite level."
Vorster will move to South Australia in the next few weeks and will be based in the Barossa full-time, alongside of McEvoy’s apprentice Chris Caserta.
Surprisingly with interest from jockeys based in Victoria and internationally, McEvoy received no requests from any South Australian-based jockeys for the position.