South African jockey Lyle Hewitson aims to make an impression in Melbourne to boost spring ambitions

International jockey Lyle Hewitson wants to make himself known to trainers during his short stay in Melbourne with an eye to returning for spring carnival raids.

International jockey Lyle Hewitson wants more Australian wins than stamps on his passport.

The South African jockey is using a Melbourne working holiday to build contacts, with future Group 1 raids in mind, and to get his eye in for the upcoming Hong Kong season.

Hewitson has ridden more than 1000 winners, including 950 at home, 120 in Hong Kong and 19 in Japan.

The three-time South African champion jockey, with seven Group 1s under the belt, is riding in Melbourne for another two weeks.

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“It’s only going to benefit going into the new season (Hong Kong), getting my weight in order and my eye in,” Hewitson said.

“The bigger picture was to put my name out there, in case rides become available in some of the bigger races towards the bottom of the (weight) scale.

“They (trainers) might know your name from watching Hong Kong racing but unless you’ve been here, put your face out there, it’s hard then to suggest putting you on.

“Whether it’s the coming season or time to come, I’ve shown my face and given myself more opportunity.

“I always thought post-Hong Kong, when I do decide to move on from there, my next port of call … would be here in Australia.”

South African jockey is on a working holiday in Melbourne before he heads to Hong Kong. Picture: HKJC

Hewitson had four rides at Pakenham last Monday – barely 48 hours off the plane.

The 26-year-old has settled into Melbourne since, with wife Hannah, ahead of long-odds rides at Geelong and The Valley respectively on Friday and Saturday respectively.

“I had no illusions that I was going to come out here and get the top rides or anything, that’s the hardest part,” Hewitson said.

“As soon as you kick the first goal things start opening up, hopefully get that on the board and let the ball keep rolling from there and end on a high before heading back.”

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Cranbourne trainers Robbie Griffiths and South African expat Matthew de Kock have supported Hewitson with multiple rides, including Celestial Storm at The Valley.

“I’m grateful they’ve given me the opportunity and if I could turn one into a winner for them, or maybe someone else, we’re smooth sailing,” Hewitson said.

“Just got to get that first winner out of the way and let the rest take care of itself.”

The world class pilot, with a minimum 53kg riding weight, has adapted to the Australian racing style quickly.

Celestial Storm is a winner at The Valley. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“It’s certainly less aggressive early, compared to Hong Kong, I was able to understand that quite quickly, but the first ride was a big change,” Hewitson said.

“Obviously going left handed is different to Hong Kong but any jockey worth their salt should be able to adapt to that, which I was pretty comfortable with, no issues.

“The Valley is going to be a different beast but if any track in the world has any similarities to Moonee Valley it would be Happy Valley, so at least we’ve got some guide.”

Griffiths and de Kock boast a tidy hand at The Valley on Saturday with track and distance winners Celestial Storm and Fission in the 1000m Benchmark 74 and Hard Squeeze in a 2040m Benchmark 70.

King Magnus, placed at The Valley, will contest the Benchmark 100 Travis Harrison Cup (2040m).

“They all love The Valley,” de Kock said.

“If they put their best foot forward they should run well.”

Originally published as South African jockey Lyle Hewitson aims to make an impression in Melbourne to boost spring ambitions