Alan Lai, the newest member of the Hong Kong Academy riders learning his craft in South Australia, will chase a country cup success at just his second day of race riding at Roxby Downs on Saturday.
Lai, who works with the Andrew Gluyas stable at Morphettville and is being mentored by Jason Holder, has been booked for five rides on the six race card including Moose River in the $17,900 Roxby Downs Cup (1800m).
“Alan has done a lot of work adapting to the Australian style of riding and did a lot of groundwork and extra trials in preparation for getting to the races,’’ Racing SA Jockey Coach Dean Pettit said.
“Alan's best asset is he can ride very light and is building his strength.
“His 4kg claim will be very valuable for many stables and potentially the Port Lincoln season,’’ he said.
Likewise it will also be a busy day at Roxby for another new apprentice Chelsey Reynolds who has four rides at her second day of race riding.
Reynolds enjoying a fairy tale start to her riding career after winning aboard The Great Baby at her first race ride at Balaklava last Sunday.
Reynolds rides Aussie Sojourn in the Cup for Gawler trainer Michael McLean.
