Well-credentialed South African jockey Callan Murray has arrived in Adelaide where he will base himself for at least the 2021/22 racing season.
The Group 1 winning hoop is the latest international to join the South Australian racing industry after multiple Group 1-winning South African trainers Gary and Dean Alexander relocated to Adelaide last month.
Apprentice jockey Gary Lo has also recently returned to South Australia from Hong Kong.
Murray rode in Melbourne as an apprentice during the 2016/17 racing season before going on to enjoy successful stints in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The 25-year-old has most recently been back in his homeland of South Africa while he waited to secure a visa to continue his career in Australia.
He arrives in Adelaide with a wealth of experience, having claimed nine Group 1 victories.
Among his career highlights to-date he counts being crowned champion apprentice in the 2015/16 season in South Africa and his top-level wins in his homeland as well as his victories in the Sha Tin Vase and Premier Plate in Hong Kong.
Currently in mandatory hotel quarantine in Adelaide where he is working hard to maintain his fitness, Murray is expected to commence track riding at Morphettville as early as next week.
“When I spent time in Australia a few years back I knew it was definitely a place I wanted to call home at some stage,” he said.
“It’s quite difficult to get a visa to come to Australia but Racing SA was willing to help me which I am very grateful for.
“When the opportunity to come to Adelaide came up I took it with both hands and I am keen to hit the ground running now I’m here.
“As soon as I get out of quarantine next week I’ll do my medicals and get a feel for the track and then I’ll get straight into it.
“I won’t be set to any stable, once I get out I’ll ride trackwork and just see where things take me.”
South Australia’s jockey ranks already have a strong South African presence with Barend Vorster and Karl Zechner both among the top local riders.
“I know Barend fairly well from Singapore and I did a lot of riding with Karl in South Africa, so they are familiar faces,” Murray said.
"I've done a lot of travelling and feel like it's time to find a place to settle in. I really enjoy Australia and, although I haven't ridden in South Australia yet, I'm looking forward to setting up a base for myself.
“Hopefully, I make a good impact.”
Racing SA CEO Nick Redin welcomed Murray to South Australia.
“Callan’s an experienced international rider and we’re thrilled to have him join our riding ranks,” Redin said.
“The improvements we have made across the industry in recent years in both prizemoney and infrastructure, with the support of the Marshall Liberal Government, means South Australia is becoming a destination where industry participants want to live and work.
“SA thoroughbred racing provides a great work life balance not offered in other jurisdictions.
“It’s great to be able to reverse the exodus of industry participants which occurred a few years ago and attract new talent to the state.”
