Teddy Ladouceur has added his name to the growing list of successful expat Mauritian jockeys in New Zealand when riding home his first winner at Phar Lap Raceway on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old hoop was confident from the jump aboard Strong (NZ) (Highly Recommended) in the Equine Veterinary Services Maiden 2200, taking the gelding straight to the front where they dictated terms throughout. Strong came under pressure in the concluding stages but responded to the urgings of Ladouceur to win by a neck over Our Princess Boot.
“It was amazing to break the ice. I have been working hard and have been unlucky a few times,” Ladouceur said.
Ladouceur was rapt to get the win, but said it was made even more special to do it on his home track for his employer Bruce Tapper.
“It is my home track and it was the perfect moment to break the ice,” he said. “The last time I rode him we finished second. I had a good feeling riding him in work and my trainer was happy with him. I didn’t make a mistake on him and it was great to get my first win.”
Becoming a jockey has been a lifelong ambition for Ladouceur, who began his riding career in his homeland before moving to New Zealand to further his riding career.
“I am from Mauritius and I worked for a trainer there,” he said. “I was a track work rider and then I got a chance to become a jockey. I started to ride in Mauritius and then I came here (New Zealand) to improve, and it is great to get my first win here.
“I always wanted to be a jockey, but I was a bit too heavy, but over the years I worked hard (to get on top of my weight).”
While Ladouceur is enjoying his time in New Zealand, he said the cold winters have taken a bit to get used to coming from the warmer climes of Mauritius.
“The winter was a bit tough for me in the beginning, but I have got used to the local weather now,” he said.
Ladouceur is pleased to have got on the board as a jockey and is hoping he can add to his win tally in the near future.
“I just need to improve myself, get more rides and more winners,” he said.
