Jason Collett is headed for an unwanted holiday after the Scone carnival, but he is looking forward to a trip to Singapore on his return.
Collett has started a careless riding suspension for his winning ride on Gem Song at Randwick on May 5 but fortunately the ban does not impact on a career highlight.
The Sydney-based New Zealander can focus on a return to racing in a new environment after an approach from trainer Gary Hennessey.
Collett has been booked to ride Ocean Emperor for Waikato-based Hennessey in the Group One Kranji Mile on May 26, two days after his suspension ends.
“It’s a great opportunity. I can’t even remember riding for Gary back home, but it was easy to say yes,” Collett said.
“I’ve watched the racing there so it should be a good experience racing in a new jurisdiction.”
He has picked up at least two other bookings for the meeting.
Collett, who is still striving for his first Group One in, has looked at Ocean Empreror’s form and is positive about the horse who has seven wins and five placings from 22 starts.
“He is in good form and it would be a good race to win,” Collett said.
Collett is sixth on the Sydney jockeys’ premiership with 51 wins, with Brenton Avdulla leading on 74.
The Kranji Mile has been revamped and moved from October to May ahead of the return of Singapore’s International Day in 2019.
Hong Kong-based riders Zac Purton and Karis Teetan will ride Southern Legend and Horse Of Fortune respectively.
