Australian debut delay for Barend Vorster

Singapore-based South African jockey Barend Vorster will have to wait a little longer to make his racing debut in Australia.

Vorster was booked to ride Game Keeper in Saturday’s Group One Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield but cannot get a visa in time.

“Unfortunately I’ve had to cancel my trip this weekend,” Vorster said.

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“The reason being I am not allowed to be in Australia while my working visa is in process.”

Vorster says he is hoping the visa will be approved early next week as he is Australia bound to become the South Australian-based stable jockey for Tony McEvoy.

The trainer said he was contacting the ownership group of Game Keeper, a last start Sandown winner, before booking a replacement.

Regular jockey Luke Currie, who has ridden Game Keeper in all three starts, rides the Anthony Freedman-trained second favourite Lyre in Saturday’s $1.5 million feature.