South Australia’s Oakbank racecourse is a significant place for many, and that list will now include South African-born rider Callan Murray who rode his first winner since relocating to Adelaide at the venue on Wednesday.
Racing.com reports that Murray, 24, had endured three second placings in recent weeks but it was the Ryan Balfour-trained Kungka Man who delivered his elusive victory.
“I must just say a huge thanks to Ryan and his team for keeping me on this filly, he’s given me a lot of support and I am very grateful for it,” Murray said post-race.
“I’m loving it (South Australia), I must say a big thanks to Racing SA and everyone for helping me get over.
“It took a little longer than I would have liked to get in the winners box but I have learnt a lot in that time and hopefully more will come.”
Having completed hotel quarantine, Murray took his first rides on August 28 and has already ridden at Morphettville, Gawler, Murray Bridge, Penola and Mindarie-Halidon in his first month in South Australia.