A new era in racing takes place today at Wyong and it may be a winning one at that.
Champion rider from West Australia, Willie Pike, takes his first mounts since arriving in NSW where he hopes to establish himself as the best rider in the land.
And those rides are for two of the best training yards: Team Snowden and Team Hawkes.
The runners are CHOIX DE LA MER (Extreme Choice – Seagrove) in the 3rd race.
And a race later he rides HEAVENLY PROPHET (Divine Prophet – Bit and Bop). Both are young fillies.
Pike, who is not allowed to ride in WA because he is unvaccinated, has agreed to the terms imposed by Chief NSW Stipe Marc Van Gestel this afternoon.
He will isolate from his cohort at Wyong.
On radio this morning Van Gestel said: “I spoke to Willie yesterday and he has offered to house himself in a separate jockey room on race days going forward for at least the short term.”
Moving to Sydney marks a great opportunity and wonderful kick off point for Pike, long considered a freak in the saddle.
We wish him the very best in his new career.
