IMAGE: Atkins Photography
Former Adelaide apprentice Ryusei Sakai returns to Australia on Saturday to ride Ho O Amazon in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
Sakai rode for 12 months in Adelaide as apprentice with Ryan Balfour who said it had been amazing to watch the youngsters rise from afar.
“I was fortunate to have him,’’ Balfour said.
“His judgement from the moment he walked into the stable was next level and his style was all class.
“His dedication to his craft was second to none,’’ he said.
Sakai made headlines when he secured the ride on Sole Impact in the 2018 Caulfield Cup at just 21 and has taken things to another level since returning to Japan winning three Group 1 races, four at Group 2 level and seven Group 3 wins.
His numbers over the past two seasons are outstanding, with 81 winners last season while already recording 78 wins to his name this year.
“What he’s achieved back there is brilliant, I’m extremely proud,’’ Balfour said.
“And knowing him, he’d love nothing more than to come back to Australia and win a big race.
“It’s no surprise to see him getting these opportunities,’’ he said.