Grylls mixes business with pleasure

Craig Grylls has settled comfortably into the Singapore racing scene.

The New Zealand jockey joined the riding ranks at Kranji in July and the 27-year-old has been pleased with his subsequent progress.

“I’ve been up there for five months and it’s going well,” Grylls said. “I’ve ridden nine winners and it’s taken a while to break into a new place but the better quality rides have been coming.

“I like the lifestyle, no travelling and racing twice a week in a nice, hot climate.

“I’m licenced to ride there until June 30 and I’m hoping to get it extended, I’ll be putting in another application.”

Grylls, whose father Gary rode at the old Bukit Timah course there in the 1980s, will mix business with pleasure during his brief return to New Zealand.

“They don’t race again in Singapore until January 1 so it’s a nice chance to come home,” he said.

His mounts at Ellerslie on Saturday include the Graham Richardson and Gavin Parkertrained Xbox in the Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m).

“Graham knew I was coming back and got in touch and I’m happy to be on him,” he said.

“I rode him in his first start when he ran third. I’ve watched his races since, he’s a nice horse and drawn a good gate.”

Xbox was an impressive winner three runs back and then performed creditably when sixth in the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m).

Last time out he was held up and bumped in the run home before finishing fourth against the older horses at Tauranga.

Grylls has ridden more than 700 New Zealand winners.