A Group-winning Melbourne jockey is relocating to Sydney to ride for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable.
Tom Sadler is heading north and the 23-year-old says he is looking forward to both the change and, more importantly, the opportunity.
"I'm heading to Sydney for an indefinite period," Sadler said. "It's a new challenge for me as a rider and I intend to make the most of this big opportunity.
"I've been fortunate enough to ride work for the stable at Flemington as well as jumpouts and my only race ride was a winner for them at Warrnambool aboard Scholarly before he won at Sandown.
"I know it won't be easy and it's up to me to prove myself but I am excited and looking forward to it."
Sadler has had his issues with officialdom. Two years ago he served a four month suspension following a positive test to an illicit drug and is preparing to return from a one month improper riding suspension incurred at Flemington in July.
He says he has learned from the experiences and is looking forward to a fresh start in a different environment.
"I've learned a lot in the short time I have ridden work for the stable at Flemington and been able to give feedback on how the horses have worked which has been positively received," Sadler said.
"Mrs Waterhouse has been very good to me and offered for me to go to Sydney and join the team and prove myself riding at the provincial meetings.
"After speaking to my father and Greg Eurell they both gave me their full support to take up the offer."
Sadler rode his first Group winner when Observational, trained by his father John, won the Group III Easter Cup at Caulfield in April.
