Singapore awaits the arrival of a new face in the riding ranks while two others have been granted four-month extension to their visiting permits.

The new kid on the block is Venezuela-born jockey Jose Verenzuela, 42, currently licenced to ride in the USA. He has been granted a four-month licence to ride from March 1.

A veteran of 23 years in the saddle, Verenzuela has ridden approximately 1,200 winners after starting his career as an apprentice in Venezuela and has a Champion Jockey title in Venezuela (1993) and dual titles in Saudi Arabia (2000/01).

He also rode seven winners in one day and had 19 victories in a month when racing was conducted just one day per week as the retained rider for Prince Sultan Racing Stables.

Verenzuela biggest success came on 2009 Dubai World Cup night when riding BIG CITY MAN (Northern Afleet - Mini Appeal by Valid Appeal) to victory in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen Stakes. He currently goes to scale at 53kg.

Placais, who has been riding in Singapore since November 2009, has been granted an extension from March 1 until June 30.

It is the Frenchman’s second stint in Singapore, having ridden here back in 2002 and 2003. He has 26 winners to his credit this time around, including 22 victories during the 2010 season which was interrupted through injury. He currently goes to scale at 52kg.

Cunha, whose visiting jockey’s licence expired on February 28, also gets a four-month extension.

The Brazilian, 38, has thus far ridden 14 winners from 136 rides at Kranji. Previously licensed by the Jockey Club de Sao Paulo, he has a career haul of over 2,500 winners, including 22 at Group 1 level.