Talented Kiwi apprentice Wiremu Pinn is off the mark in Australia, partnering Mystery Moment (Animal Kingdom) to victory for John Leek Jnr at Mornington on Wednesday in the Highview Speedboat Bill Handicap (2000m).
His first Australian win comes at just his seventh race ride after riding well without a victory at Sandown on Saturday.
The 24-year-old is apprenticed to Cranbourne-based Michael Kent and looms as hot property this winter given his experience and ability to still claim in the city.
With a tally of 171 wins since first showing his ability in the saddle in 2018, Pinn has long outridden his claim in New Zealand, however, under Australian racing rules he is still eligible for a three-kilogram claim in metropolitan races.
After getting back in the field on Mystery Moment, Pinn showed plenty of patience of the $5.60 shot, railing up behind the leaders before presenting at the right time to score by 0.3 length.
“I’m very happy to be here,” a delighted Pinn said.
“I love it here. I’ve only been here four or five days, but things are going really well and I’m grateful for all the support I’m getting.
Pinn also credited injured jockey Ethan Brown for his help learning about the intricacies of Mornington.
“Thanks to Ethan Brown. He came over this morning and helped me walk the track,” he said.
“I probably wouldn’t have ridden the race (like I did) if it wasn’t for him showing me around.”
Leek described Pinn as a ‘wizz’.
“Don’t anybody use him,” he quipped.
