THE OVERSEAS RIDERS

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32847, 22 February 1972, Page 8

THE OVERSEAS RIDERS

"The Press 11 Special Service AUCKLAND. L. K. PIGGOTT (England), at 36 years of age is the outstanding jockey in Europe, with wins in just about every major event on the English calendar and many of those on the Continent. He began riding 21 years ago and has ridden five winners of the Derby, three of the Oaks, six of the St Leger, three of the Two Thousand Guineas and one of the One Thusand Guineas. The great horses with which he has been associated have ineluded, in recent years, the Derby winners, Nijinsky and Sir Ivor. He won the last St Leger on Athens Wood and the 1959 Oaks on Petite Etoile. He has ridden in most countries but will be making his first visit to New Zealand.

N. J. VOIGT (Sydney). Although not as celebrated as his fellow’ countryman, R. Higgins, he has consistently been in the top bracket of riders in Sydney over the last five years. He has ridden the winner of at least one major event in each of the last few seasons. Included in his successes are Doncaster Handicap, Sydney Cup (Arctic Symbol), Metropolitan Handicap (Tails), Champagne Stakes (Andros) and A.J.C. Derby (Silver Sharpe). He has yet to ride in New’ Zealand but holidayed here a few years ago. A. LISTER {Sydney). A 34-year-old former Queenslander who shifted to Sydney five or six years ago. Has ridden about 900 winners. Was the leading jockey in Queensland for five seasons and was equal top with C. O’Neill once. First left Queensland to ride Winfreux in Melbourne and Sydney after winning the Doomben Cup on the horse, then decided to settle in Sydney.

W. A. SMITH (Melbourne). First came to New Zealand about 15 years ago and after a time in the central districts of the North Island shifted to the Waikato with quite sensational success. In the next five years he won just about every North Island event of major importance then returned to Australia to win the 1960 Melbourne Cup on Hi-Jinx. Settled again in Melbourne and returned to New’ Zealand last month. Totalled about 400 wins during his previous term here. Had his first riding success in 1944 and includes in his wins Wellington Cup (Jalna), A.R.C. Railway (Yahabeebe), Sydney Cup (Maidenhead), Brisbane Cup (Prominence), three Perth Cups and most of the big Australian handicaps. He is 42 years old. R. HIGGINS (Melbourne). One of the outstanding Australian riders for many years, with experience also in Europe and India where he has enjoyed much success. Has to his credit most of the big Australian races including Melbourne Cups in 1965 and 1967 and Sydney Cups in 1962 and 1969. Has established an outstanding record with New Zealand-breds, his Melbourne Cup wins being on Light Fingers and Red Handed. Has a good record in Oakes races. Won six of these events ih Sydney imd Melbourne, five on New Zealandbred fillies. Includes also in his wins Caulfield Cup (Big Philou) Brisbane Cup (Fulmen) and Adelaide Cup.

C. O'NEILL (Brisbane). Has been riding for 15 years and has 650 wins to his credit. Aged 30 and married with two young children, is the top Queensland rider in five of the 10 years he has been living there and headed the Queensland premiership for last three years. Has ridden in four international events in Queensland but this will be first overseas trip. Major wins include Queensland Oaks, Queensland Guineas (four times), Queensland Derby, Stradbroke Handicap, and Doomben Ten Thousand. Rates Prince Medes, on which he won the Stradbroke, as the best horse he has ridden. O’Neill does a lot of riding for the top Brisbane trainer, H. F. Best, but has had last two weeks off with racing in Queensland washed out by rain.