Rory Hutchings has answered a call from leading New Zealand stable Te Akau Racing to ride top mare Quintessa.
The Sydney-based Kiwi will make a hit-and-run trip to his homeland to partner Quintessa in the Group 1 Proisir Plate over 1400m at Ellerslie on September 6.
“I am coming in for the day and I am looking forward to it,” Hutchings said.
“I am locked in for Quintessa. She is going to be a good chance in what I think will be an open race.”
Quintessa tasted victory at the same meeting two years ago when winning the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) before going on to win the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m).
She continued her racing career in Australia, where her most recent of her five career victories came in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) last season.
While it will be a brief trip home, Hutchings hasn’t ruled out a longer stay if quality rides present themselves later in the season.
“At the moment, I will be purely in Australia, but I am open to opportunities if they come about,” he said.
