Malaysian-born apprentice jockey Doni Prastiyou is becoming a familiar face around the southern racing scene and his attitude and work ethic has gained him plenty of rides at Gore today.
Prastiyou (21) has been in New Zealand since early 2012 and, after a short stint with Ashburton trainer Jan Hay, he moved to Paul Richards' Wingatui training operation.
''He took me on as an apprentice and everything has worked well,'' Prastiyou said.
''All the staff and people are friendly over here. They encourage me.''
Prastiyou can ride 52kg at a pinch, but the quality cooking of Richards' wife, Leanne, is a dangerous temptation for Prastiyou if he has to ride at 52kg the next day.
''She looks after the apprentices like a son so I am enjoying living with Paul and Leanne,'' he said.
Prastiyou worked for champion Malaysian trainer Richard Lines, who often had up to 90 horses in work at his operation in Kuala Lumpur.
''When my boss sent me over here, he said I had a bright opportunity over here,'' Prastiyou said.
''The opportunity only comes one time, so I'm going to ride as best as I can.''
Prastiyou starts his Gore engagements with the Alex Freeman-trained Alfie's Belle, who led and won at the Wingatui jumpouts on September 11.
''It seems like the horse has got plenty of speed from the gates so 1000m will suit him, as will 3kg off the back, so he will run well,''Aint No Lollygagga (race 8) was scratched from her engagement on Saturday in preference to Gore where she takes on a rating 65 field over 1335m.
Prastiyou has established a good rapport with the No Excuse Needed mare, guiding her to victory at Ashburton in July.
''She's a very ''on the bit'' horse and she works really well - a wet track will suit her.''
Ascot Park trainer Kelly Thompson has engaged Prastiyou for two rides, and Prastiyou is quite keen on Ima Geegee (race 7), who provided him with his second career win in October last year.
''She's got plenty of speed from the gates, so you don't have to hunt her out. You can just sit and get cover.''
