'R. J.’ pleased he moved to Melbourne

Press, 6 December 1979, Page 29

'R. J.’ pleased he moved to Melbourne

Special corresponded Dunedin Bob Skelton nine times champion New Zealand jockey, is well settled in Melbourne with no thoughts of returning to this country. “The shift to Australia has exceeded my expectations.’’ said Skelton who was in Dunedin to launch his autobiography. Skelton, who is 44. decided last April to shift to Melbourne permanently. He had two reasons for doing He had lost many of his connections to obtain good mounts after seven months cn the sideline with a

broken thigh, the result of a fall at New Plymouth. The other factor was the introduction last season of 4.5 kg allowance for apprentices until they had ridden five winners. The 4.5 kg had previously been restricted to apprentices who had not ridden a winner. “I found that I was getting on inferior horses through my loss of contacts and the extension of the apprentice 4.5 kg apprentice claim,” said Skelton. “I was certain in my mind that no jockey could beat those odds and the, challenge of moving to Australia was no greater.” Skelton has ridden 25 win-

ners this season and his 19 wins at country meetings place him equal top with Gary Willetts on that side of the premiership. Illustrating opportunities available in Australia, Skelton pointed out that last w'eek he rode at Sale on Tuesday, Sandown the following day, Kilmore on Thursday and Ararat on Friday. winding up the week at Moonee Valley on Saturday. He rode a winner at three of four country meetings during the week and .won the main handicap at ,Moonee Valley on Reckon I’m Ready. Skelton will return to ride at Caulfield on Saturday.