There were some anxious moments for talented hoop Wiremu Pinn on Tuesday following an incident at the Waipa trials that could have placed his trip to Sydney this weekend in jeopardy.
"One just flipped over in the barriers and crushed me a bit at the back of the gates," Pinn said. "My x-rays and scans are clean, I am just a little bit sore. I am just thankful nothing is broken.
"I will be alright to ride this week, I just thought I would have today (Wednesday) off, but I will ride the rest of the week."
Pinn breathed a sigh of relief when he was given the all clear by doctors at Waikato Hospital on Tuesday, with a trip to Sydney this weekend to ride a favoured runner in the Gr.1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on the line.
Pinn has been booked to ride lightweight chance Unusual Legacy in the A$750,000 feature for leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller, who he struck up an association with during his riding stint in Melbourne last year.
The New Zealand-bred son of Unusual Suspect has had three starts this preparation for a win and two placings, and Pinn is excited about his prospects on Saturday.
"Chris is a gun trainer, it is a good opportunity and the horse looks like a good chance too," Pinn said. "He still has to get a run in the race, but I think if he does make the race, he is going to be a big chance. He looks like a big, robust horse that will definitely get the 2400m."
Pinn said his light weight and previous association with Waller in Melbourne helped him gain the ride.
"I rode a little bit for Chris Waller when I did my stint in Melbourne and I think just with the light weight that the horse has (50kg), not many riders can ride 50 kilos," he said. "I am just lucky that I walk light and that is why I got the call up. It is a good opportunity and I am just hoping I can get a result and make the most of it."
Pinn said he will likely have another couple of rides at the Sydney meeting.
"Tye Angland is helping out with getting other rides over there and I think I have got about three rides there (on Saturday)," he said.
Saturday won't be the last time Australian punters get to see Pinn this season, with the Waikato-based hoop intent on being a frequent flyer over the Tasman this spring before undertaking another riding stint in Melbourne next winter.
"I will be back and forth from New Zealand to Sydney and Melbourne this year because of the handicap races over there," he said.
"I spoke with my old boss Mick Kent when I went on holiday with Tayla (Mitchell, partner) to Fiji. We flew to Melbourne and went and saw him," Pinn said. "Whatever opportunities arise over there, I am happy to get on a plane and go.
"I will probably do another little stint there, maybe in the winter time when racing gets quieter here. The prizemoney is still good in Melbourne, so I will probably look at doing three months there and if things go well, I might stay for a little bit longer.
"I rode for big trainers and rode some nice horses while I was over there (last time). I would like to think if I went over again that same support base will still be there. I am willing to work hard for the rewards."
Meanwhile, Pinn will ready for his weekend trip to Sydney with three rides for local trainer Clinton Isdale at Cambridge's synthetic meeting on Thursday where he is hoping he can add to his current season haul of 16 wins, which currently places him third on the National Jockeys' Premiership.
"They are all good chances too," he said.
"Things are going really well at the moment. I am just riding quality horses and that makes the job a lot easier. You can't pick them up and carry them, so I am just grateful for the opportunities."
