Leading South Australian apprentice Jacob Opperman is making the move to Melbourne and joining the Mathew Ellerston Stable at Flemington.
The 2021 Dux of the Racing SA Apprentice Academy, Opperman will move to Victoria on a three-month loan following the Adelaide Racing Carnival.
Opperman, 18, has ridden 125 winners since debuting at Mount Gambier in April 2020.
“I’m really looking forward to it,’’ Opperman said.
“At the same time last year I looked at going over but that didn’t work out with COVID.
“I plan to ride here until the end of May and will then head over in June,’’ he said.
It’s been a move that has been sometime in the making.
“A couple of years ago I went over and did work experience with Mat and Simon (Zahra) and when I was over there with a broken hand, I suggested to Mat that I’d like to give Melbourne a crack,’’ Opperman said.
“Dad’s known Mat for ages, they actually worked together at John Hawkes’ stable.
“Mat’s a great trainer, he really knows where to place his horses,’’ he said.
Opperman said he was looking forward to basing himself at one of Australian racing spiritual homes at famous Flemington.
“Every jockey dreams of winning races at Flemington,’’ Opperman said.
“It’s brilliant to ride trackwork there and hopefully I can get some good opportunities while I am there.
“The plan is to come back and chase the Limestone Coast Jockey Premiership again next season,’’ he said.
Racing SA Apprentice Academy Master Briony Moore said it was a terrific opportunity.
“We are really excited for Jacob to be granted this opportunity,’’ Moore said.
“Jacob has had a great association with Mathew Ellerston and prior to gaining his license they have had a good healthy relationship.
“Everything happens for a reason, last year Jacob attempted to go over to Victoria, but COVID lockdowns impacted that.
“He decided it was best for him to stay in SA while the borders were closed and in hindsight, I think is the best thing that has happened, he’s a year more experienced rider and mentally stronger.
“We know that Jacob will make the most of his opportunities when they present and we look forward to him flying the flag for the SA Apprentice Academy in the months to come,’’ she said.
