Matthew Cartwright a welcome addition to NZ riding ranks

New Zealand’s jockey ranks have been bolstered this week with the welcome addition of expat Australian hoop Matthew Cartwright.

The 21-year-old jockey recorded 233 wins in Victoria, but found opportunities began to dry up after coming out of his apprenticeship, and he has elected to chance his arm across the Tasman to help revitalise his riding career.

“I was struggling with opportunities in Australia, so I thought I would make a change and New Zealand is what that change is going to be,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright had a successful apprenticeship and partnered a number of top-level horses in Australia, including riding subsequent A$15 The Everest (1200m) and multiple Group One winner Giga Kick to victory at just his second start.

“I had a very successful apprenticeship,” he said. “I was a leading apprentice in Victoria and out rode my claim with six months to go, so I had to leave my apprenticeship early and become a senior.

“I rode multiple Group One horses with a claim, the likes of Giga Kick and Lighthouse.

“One of my biggest highlights would have been riding Flash Feeling on Champions Day at Flemington. That was probably my biggest win, it was massive.”

Cartwright flew to New Zealand on Sunday and said he has been helped a lot with his move by a couple of Kiwis he met in Australia.

“I have had a lot of help from Mason Stevens and Wiremu Pinn, they have helped me out a lot in getting over here,” he said.

Cartwright will base himself in the Waikato and said he has already started networking and is receiving plenty of support from local trainers.

“I am going to base myself out of Cambridge and I will be doing a fair bit of work at Cambridge and Matamata, so that will keep me busy,” he said.

“I am going to branch out and help different trainers. I have already got a few trainers that are happy to support me, everyone has been very welcoming.

“I just want to be out there riding, and riding winners. I am going to be working hard and hopefully I can get the support, and I can get on the right horses and show my ability.

“I am looking forward to giving New Zealand a crack. It is exciting and challenging at the same time.”

Photo: Jay Town (Racing Photos)