Matt's Milestone
28 October, 2013
Te Akau stable jockey Matt Cameron's stellar career rise continues - Matt is riding in career best form and we are extremely proud of a milestone that he achieved this Labour weekend.
On Saturday, Matt piloted Viana home to win the $50,000 Listed Spring Classic at Riccarton in a copybook ride.
Matt currently lies in second place on the Jockeys' Premiership with 37 wins for the season thus far - with five of those at Group and Listed level, he actually leads in terms of black type wins, with Mark du Plessis in second place with three.
Viana's win had a very special significance however for everyone at Te Akau - she became Matt's 100th winner in the Te Akau tangerine, and for that milestone to be achieved with a horse that David and Karyn race (with Jonny Orr) made the ocasion even more special to us.
Matt commented on the win:
"My career has taken off in the two & a half years since I started riding for Te Akau so I'm very grateful for the faith David had in me to give me a go in the tangerine.
"To ride 100 winners for the team is hugely satisfying and especially for the 100th to be in a black type race on a horse part owned by David and Karyn. I am sure there will be many more winners to come."
Matt's career has indeed accelerated since donning the tangerine - as we said, he currently lies second on this season's Premiership. Last season he was runner up to Opie Bosson with 149 wins and who can forget the epic battle the season prior when his tussle for honours with Lisa Allpress came down to the last day of the season - that season his tally was 156.
"Matt is one of the most professional riders in New Zealand - he is dedicated, hard working and no-one rides a finish better than Matt, he is very tough in a finish," said David Ellis.
"Matt is also very popular, he engages with everyone he meets and our owners as well as the team thoroughly enjoy his company. It certainly was a great day the day he wrote and asked to ride for us - we have a very successful and happy union - long may it continue.
"We also should give credit to Matt's partner Blair who is a much appreciated member of the Te Akau team - he is a terrific support to Matt and his career, and we look forward to celebrating plenty more top level wins with them both."
