|
|
Japanese jockey Kanichiro Fujii has been
granted a six-month freelance riding licence by the Singapore Turf Club
starting from Jan 1.
Currently licensed by Racing New South Wales, “Joe” Fujii, as he is widely
named in the Australian media, has been an instant hit with Sydney trainers
since 2003.
Originally based in country NSW and Brisbane, Fujii led the 2005-2006 Sydney
Metropolitan Apprentice Premiership for 11 months and was in the top five on
the Senior Jockey’s Premiership for the first six months.
Fujii’s arrival can only reinforce the Singapore Turf Club’s close ties with
Japanese racing. With his experience of Australian racing, the 23-year-old
rider should be an asset not only for the two Kranji-based Japanese
trainers, but also for the other trainers. He goes to scale at 52kgs.
Meanwhile, South African jockey Barend Vorster has also been granted a
freelance riding licence for six months from Jan 1. He had previously held
an MRA Expatriate Jockey’s licence since October 2004. Prior to that, he had
been riding in Singapore as a freelance jockey since October 2003.
Vorster needs little introduction as he has been highly successful during
his stints in Kranji, including a win in the Group 3 Steward’s Cup aboard
Fairy Tale in 2004. The 29-year-old rider clinched the Singapore champion
jockey’s title that year with 53 wins. He has racked up over 800 winners in
his 12 years in the saddle.
This season, Vorster has ridden 47 winners and 95 placings which puts him in
second spot in the Jockeys’ Premiership. He goes to scale at 50kgs.  |
