show me:

Australian debut delay for Barend Vorster

3 minute read

Blue Diamond Stakes contender Game Keeper needs a new rider as Singapore based Barend Vorster waits on an Australian working visa.

Barend Vorster at his biggest triumph in Singapore - Ato in the 2012 Group 1 KrisFlyer International. Picture: Singapore Turf Club

Singapore-based South African jockey Barend Vorster  will have to wait a little longer to make his racing debut in Australia.

Vorster was booked to ride Game Keeper in Saturday's Group One Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield but cannot get a visa in time.

"Unfortunately I've had to cancel my trip this weekend," Vorster said.

"The reason being I am not allowed to be in Australia while my working visa is in process."

Vorster says he is hoping the visa will be approved early next week as he is Australia bound to become the South Australian-based stable jockey for Tony Mcevoy .

The trainer said he was contacting the ownership group of Game Keeper, a last start Sandown winner, before booking a replacement.

Regular jockey Luke Currie , who has ridden Game Keeper in all three starts, rides the Anthony Freedman -trained second favourite Lyre  in Saturday's $1.5 million feature.