Rodd Off to New Zealand for Prized Mount

Thursday, 05 September 2002 00:00

Champion Queensland apprentice Michael Rodd will be reunited with his Brisbane Cup winner Prized Gem when she resumes in the Glenmorgan Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes at Hastings on Saturday week.

Rodd, who also won the Prime Minister's Cup in his other ride on the Cambridge mare, has confirmed he will ride Prized Gem wherever she starts this season.

Prized Gem, runner-up in a Pukekohe trial last Tuesday, has been entered for the $A2.5 million Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup and the $A4 million Tooheys New Melbourne Cup, with the latter being the main mission.

Rodd's first experience of New Zealand racing last March resulted in four wins over five racedays.

"I'm looking forward to riding in New Zealand again, especially getting back on Prized Gem,"said Rodd.

Rodd can ride at 52.5kgs and is looking for other mounts at the Hastings meeting.

His rides are being taken on (021) 27-53790.

Media Release - TNZ