Rio Burnett to make Malaysian debut

PENANG,  20 January 2005

Perth based Malaysian Rio Burnett will be making his debut in Malaysia at Penang this weekend, and his father Malcolm Burnett will be hoping that his son does what he failed to do — win a race on the MRA circuit.

Malcolm is one the best jockeys Sarawak ever produced, but he never got the chance to prove his ability in West Malaysia.

Malcolm’s impressive record at the Sarawak Turf Club, where he was the champion jockey for many years, failed to get him a licence to ride in the MRA circuit.

Malcolm later emigrated to Perth and rode in both city and country tracks there before becoming a trainer.

And now the 21-year-old Rio, who is indentured to his father, is "coming home" with the best record of a Perth-trained apprentice to his name.

Rio commenced his apprentice jockey training with the Western Australian Turf Club on March 7, 2001 and over the past three years he has shown great dedication to his training and profession.

Rio received his permit to ride in races on October 5, 2001, and since that time has ridden in 723 races for 47 wins, 56 seconds, 71 thirds, and 74 fourths. He has ridden 10 winners in the metropolitan area and is entitled to claim 3.0kg under the Australian Rules of Racing.

His major wins to date include the listed Boulder Cup (2003) on SPACE AGE, trained by Neville Parnham, and two wins in succession on the highly rated HARTLEYS DREAM, trained by Lindsay Smith (trainer of PLASTERED – 2004 VRC Derby).

Rio was was the recipient of the Special Achievement Award at the annual Apprentice Awards function in 2004. This award is presented to the apprentice who achieves something outstanding during the year.

Rio, described by his father as hard working, diligent and honest, was awarded it for a number of reasons: for a brilliant ride to win a feature race at Kalgoorlie during their carnival; and also for his support and camaraderie for the Malaysian boys who come to Perth for their apprentice jockey training.

Rio is currently 6th on the Metropolitan apprentice premiership in Western Australia.

Rio has picked up four rides — JERAM NEW STAR (Race 2) and JERAM RANGER (Race 7) on Saturday and DIPANG RANGER (Race 3) and KUALA DIPANG (Race 9) on Sunday — for his sponsor, trainer Frank Maynard.

And all of Sarawak — and the Burnett family — will be rooting for Rio Burnett this weekend.