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Mark Zahra and James Winks got off to a flying start for Australia in the Air Mauritius & Attitude International Jockeys’ Weekend 2016 when they rode three winners between them to take the first two spots at the first half of the two-day Mauritius jockeys’ series on Saturday.

While the local crowd is familiar with Winks, who has successfully been plying his trade on the Indian Ocean island since July, it was Zahra, a first-time visitor whoonly landed in the Indian Ocean island from Melbourne on Thursday, who took the Champ de Mars by storm with a riding double aboard Blue Jeans and Avail.

Making the feat even more laudable was the fact that the Perth-born Melbourne hoop saw his original book of five rides whittled down to three rides only after two were scratched. His third Scorecard finished out of the placings.

Such a disadvantage against his 12 rivals, who had between four and five rides, could have seen his day go pear-shaped, but Zahra showed he meant business right from the start when he brought up 9-1 outsider Blue Jeans with a well-timed run to get up in a three-way thriller in the Fenece Asset Management Cup (1400m).

Dropped back in midfield, the gelding who had just two starts in Mauritius for one second under the belt, kept up a strong gallop to prevail by a neck from the fast-finishing Right To Tango (Maxime Guyon).

Then came the non-running of Powder Keg and Spirit Of Dover, before Zahra book-ended the seven-race programme with Avail in the last race, the Jean Halbwachs Challenge Trophy (1600m), yelling “Go Australia!” to the enthusiastic crowd on his triumphant return to scales.

The double saw Zahra shoot to the top of the leaderboardon 18 points, going into Sunday’s second Leg, which will also feature seven races.

“It was a very long and hot day, but it’s all good when you ride a winner at your first ride and then make it a double,” said Zahra.

“We had a nice run, but unfortunately two were scratched but that’s racing. Luckily I was able to win in the last race.

“The first winner (Blue Jeans) gave me a lovely run throughout, and the trainer (Raj Ramdin) gave me very good instructions.

“I settled him off the speed as he told me, and everything went to a tee. I was pushed out a bit wide round the bend, but I had good momentumand he was too good in the end.

“The second winner (Avail) also gave me a beautiful ride. He jumped quick, relaxed off the speed and when I gave him a little niggle coming to the top of the straight, he picked up and galloped all the way to the line. He’s a real pleasure to ride.

“I had luck on my side today, I had a great day and I hope it continues tomorrow. To be honest, I’ve only focused on today, but I know I’ve got a couple of nice rides tomorrow as well.

“I’ve heard about the Mauritius series and its races as some of the Aussie boys have been here. It’s a very tight track, but the horses get around it quite well.

“There is a good atmosphere at the track.I’ve ridden in Hong Kong, and the crowd there also gets behind you, but the track is smaller here and you can really feel them cheering you over the line, and when you get back, everybody is around you.”

Winks also enjoyed a great start, beginning with a fighting second aboard longshot Shield Of Thunder in the Dynavena Cup (1400m) before hitting the target with the well-backed Suzie’s Arrow in the Mara Delta Property Holdings Cup (1500m).

Another runner-up spot aboard Evergreen in the Air Mauritius Holidays Cup (1400m) later took his score to 17 to share second spot with French jockey Maxime Guyon, who pulled off a similar score of one win (Emaar) and two seconds.

“Suzie’s Arrow was my best chance of the weekend and he didn’t disappoint. He’s a lovely horse,” said Winks.

“He was afforded a good draw and we had a lovely run in the race and to the horse’s credit, he worked very well with me. Once I popped him off in the straight, he found the line very well.

“It’s a great way to cap the successful season I’ve had in Mauritius. The jockeys’ challenge is a bit different, we joke and have a bit of fun, but it’s still competitive out there.”

Rawiller was not as lucky as his fellow Victorians, coming up with a second aboard favourite Candy Rock in the main race, the Zilwa Attitude Cup (1850m) as his best result, one fourth with Kentucky Bluegrass in the opener, and two unplaced finishes at his other two rides.

He currently sits in ninth place among the 13 jockeys competing, but with another seven races to be set down for decision at the second Leg on Sunday, Darren Weir’s No 1 jockey is anything but out of the race.

“I came close with Candy Rock. He hit the front but the winner (Super Glue) outstayed him,” said Rawiller.

“I still have four rides tomorrow and hopefully, I can catch up.”