Newmarket Handicap: Sunlight shines on roving jockey’s arrival

South African jockey Barend Vorster has announced his arrival in no uncertain terms with success in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap aboard Sunlight one week after moving to Australia.

Barend Vorster and Sunlight steal a break on their rivals.

There are few better ways to make a statement when you come to a new country than winning a Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at your third ride.

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That’s what Barend Vorster did on Saturday when he led throughout to win on Sunlight.

Vorster took the lead from the outset and dictated to his rivals in his first ride down the Flemington straight.

The South African jockey, who has ridden in Singapore for 15 years, only moved to Australia last week and he will call Adelaide home.

Vorster 42 wasn’t overawed by the occasion as he had had great success in Singapore highlighted by his association with their greatest sprinter, Rocket Man, who he rode to six of his 20 victories.

“Australia is my new home and what a way to start,” he said.

When he saw that Tony McEvoy was looking for a ­stable jockey in Adelaide in January to replace Jamie Kah, Vorster made an application.

McEvoy said Vorster was the first to make contact with him and, when he checked his record, he knew he had his man.

Vorster said Singapore had been good to him but he felt it was time for a change. He had also seen how former South African jockeys Glynn Schofield and Jeff Lloyd had enjoyed success in ­Australia.

Barend Vorster and trainer Tony McEvoy celebrate after Sunlight won the Newmarket Handicap. Picture: Getty Images

Both McEvoy and Vorster walked the straight on Friday and devised a plan to stay out wide. Sunlight led throughout to defeat Osborne Bulls with Brave Smash holding on for third.

“She relaxed beautifully. When I gave her one or two reminders at the 400m, she changed legs and off she went,” Vorster said.

McEvoy described Sunlight as a special filly. “When she won the Magic Millions it was special and it was even better when she won the Coolmore Stud, but this is something better again,” he said.

“She’s an incredible filly. She just keeps stepping up to the plate and the further she gets into preparation the better she gets. She was so strong at the end of the 1200m.

“I know three-year-olds get in well on the weights but she’s a filly and they were ­touting it as one of the best Newmaket fields. She was a star going into the race and she confirmed it today.

Jockey Barend Vorster savours his winning ride on Sunlight. Picture: AAP

“She’s been an amazing ride. She’s a pleasure to train. She’s got what most haven’t.”

Sunlight has now won nine of 14 starts. It was McEvoy’s first win in the Newmarket Handicap. He finished second with North Boy in 2002.

Sunlight ($13) defeated Osborne Bulls ($4.20 fav) by three-quarters of a length with Brave Smash ($26) a short half head away third.

Hugh Bowman said he wished he had settled closer on Osborne Bulls and described his run as super. “I was delighted with his effort but he couldn’t lay up early. His run was enormous but the winner was too good,” he said.

Barend Vorster and Sunlight steal a break on their rivals.

NEWMARKET HANDICAP

Notable Bets on Sunlight (Placed Today Unless Stated)

$1000 each-way @ $13/$4.20 {placed on March 8}

$1000 at $13

$750 each-way at $13/$4.20

$500 each-way at $11/$3.80

$500 each-way at $11/$3.70 {placed on March 8}

Notable Multis involving Sunlight (Placed Saturday)

$800 @ $46.03 [to collect $36,824] on Mayan (won Morphettville Race 2) | Sunlight | Rockarral (won Morphettville Race 4)

$500 @ $46.20 [to collect $23,100] on Yes Yes Yes (won Randwick Race 4) | Sunlight

Bets of note on other runners (Placed Saturday Unless Stated)

$10,000 @ $4.20 on Osborne Bulls (Second)

$3000 @ $21 on Encryption (Unplaced)

$3000 @ $9.50 on Santa Ana Lane (Unplaced)

$3000 @ $6 on Eduardo (Unplaced) [two separate bets]

$2000 @ $8.50 on Graff (Unplaced)

$2000 @ $6.50 on Eduardo (Unplaced)

$2000 @ $4.60 on Osborne Bulls (Second)

$1250 @ $81 on Voodoo Lad (Unplaced)

$1000 @ $31 on Bons Away (Unplaced)

$1000 @ $11 on Osborne Bulls (Second) {placed on January 31}