Danny Williams is happy to give promising New Zealand jockey Sam Weatherley a leg up as the teenager attempts to follow the example of some illustrious compatriots.
The 19-year-old is beginning a three-month stint with Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller, who provides one of his four rides at Randwick on Saturday.
Weatherley, New Zealand’s champion apprentice, gets underway in the Highway Handicap (1200m) for Goulburn-based Williams.
Weatherley claims 2kg on My Blue Jeans, who won his first Highway Handicap at his previous start at Rosehill on June 16.
Williams has also entrusted Weatherley with the in-form She Knows, a filly after her third win in six starts in the Turf Drain Australia Sprint (1000m).
“I was looking to claim on both horses and Sam must be held in very high regard if he’s ridden in Group One races in New Zealand,” Williams said.
“That’s a very good foundation and it gave me enough confidence to put him on.”
Weatherly, who is on target to defend his apprentices’ title this season, claimed his first Group One win aboard Enzo Lad in the Telegraph Handicap in January.
He admitted to being overawed at trackwork at Rosehill this week after leaving an operation in Matamata where there were 40 horses in work.
“There’s horses going everywhere here, but it’s very organised,” Weatherley told Sky Sports Radio.
He has always aimed to emulate the likes of Jimmy Cassidy, Jason Collett, Rory Hutchings and James McDonald, who have made a mark in Sydney since crossing the Tasman.
“If I could do half as good a job as they’ve done I’d be pretty happy,” he said.
Weatherley rides The Avenger for Waller in the Hi Quality Turf Handicap (1400m) and Star Reflection from the Kris Lees stable in the SCG Trust Handicap (1400m).
