Tye Angland hopes to make his 22nd birthday a double celebration with a winner on his return to Sydney racing at Rosehill on Saturday.
However, the Hong Kong-based jockey didn’t get many presents with the barrier draws for his main rides at the Rosehill meeting.
“I haven’t drawn a good gate all day which is a bit unfortunate,” Angland said.
“I know Sikka has been going quite well for Chris Waller and Irish Love has also been racing well so they look to be a couple with a bit of a chance.”
Sikka will jump from the outside barrier in the Alpha Flight Services Handicap (1100m) while Irish Love has gate 10 in the Woolworths Handicap (2000m).
Angland hasn’t ridden in Sydney since the start of October when he jetted off to Hong Kong after securing a four-month riding contract.
Such was Angland’s success in the competitive Hong Kong racing scene he had his initial contract extended and will return at the end of August for another season.
Hong Kong’s 2010/11 season came to a close last weekend and Angland made the decision to return to Sydney in the off-season and keep riding because of an interrupted year with injury.
“I decided to do it because I had three months off when I fell and broke my shoulder (at Sha Tin on February 5),” he said.
“I wanted to keep going just to keep my fitness up and keep my weight down. Hopefully I can ride a few winners.”
The champion apprentice in Sydney in 2006/07, Angland rode 18 winners in the Hong Kong season.
“It’s been great,” he said of the experience.
“Obviously I went over there on a four-month contract to start with and fortunately I’ve been able to do quite well and get some good opportunities.”
Along with Sikka and Irish Love, Angland will also partner Sleepers (race one), Skip Town (race three) and Home On A Wing (race seven) at Rosehill.
“My goal while I’m back here is just to try to ride a few winners,” Angland said.
“I want to try to get on the right horses and try to ride for the big stables to build a bit of a relationship if I decide to come back in the future.”
AAP TURF
