Young jockey Matthew Cartwright believes the groundwork laid during his first stint in New Zealand will be invaluable as he prepares to return, determined to avoid the pitfalls that can sometimes follow an impressive debut season.
The 22-year-old Victorian will soon head back across the Tasman after a breakout campaign in New Zealand. Before departing, Cartwright signed off in Australia with a confidence-boosting win at Caulfield aboard Pop Award, a horse trained by his mother Leonie Proctor and grandmother Lyn Tolson.
However, Cartwright knows he will face stiff competition for rides, with leading New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson and other returning riders ensuring a highly competitive environment.
“It’s looking like it’s going to be competitive over there with a few of the riders coming back, but I’m ready to get over there and work hard,” Cartwright said.
“The second year is going to be, I wouldn’t say easier, but I’m just a little bit more well-known over there which is going to help.
“I’ve got a few stables that are going to support me, so that’s going to be the major difference.
“New Zealand, in general, has been good for me and I feel like as a rider I’ve got more confidence. I feel like I’m a better person and going to be a better rider going into next season.”
Cartwright has nearly 300 career victories, with more than 50 recorded in New Zealand this season, highlighted by his maiden Group 1 triumph aboard Grail Seeker in the Tarzino Trophy.
“I rode a Group 1 winner in my first two months of riding over there, so it was very rewarding but the results did probably surprise me a bit,” he said.
“I was happy with what I did over there. I had 53 winners and eight Stakes winners in total, so I’d like to have a little goal of trying to better that.”
Backed by prominent trainers Stephen Marsh and Tony Pike, both known for travelling horses to Australia, Cartwright is optimistic about unearthing a galloper capable of giving him opportunities during the Victorian Spring Carnival.
“I’ll be working very hard and I’ve definitely got interest in riding in Australia on New Zealand horses if there was the opportunity,” he said. “I’ll definitely be looking for the type of horse that might be able to do that.”
