Sport
18 March, 2025
Mount Isa move pays off for Nor Yadi
A full-time move to the North West has given Yadi his first win of the season.
A pick-up ride has given Nor Yadi his first win of the North West racing season after making a move to Mount Isa in 2025.
The Malaysian-born jockey has been based in Far North Queensland for the majority of his time living and riding in Australia.
With the North West keen to attract more trackwork and race day riders, Yadi took the chance to move to Mount Isa.
The 46-year-old has been in the Outback city for the last three weeks and collected a winner at Buchanan Park on Saturday afternoon aboard Dream High for Tanya Parry.
Yadi picked up the ride after Micheal McDonald was unable to make the weight.
The hard-working hoop has won a host of country cups on the bush circuit in FNQ.
“I get more opportunities here and every week I get rides here, I have a couple of trainers who support me a lot here,” Yadi said.
“I was keen to move somewhere for something different. I am enjoying it here. It has been good.
“I am riding maybe seven every morning, riding trackwork for a couple of trainers out here.”
Yadi has ridden in the North West on occasions over the last few years as he would either drive or fly from Cairns.
He is committed to remaining in the area until at least August and has been riding plenty of work for stables such as Peter Inwood and Emma Morton.
Yadi had been knocking on the door in recent weeks, collecting four minor placings before Dream High got the money on Saturday.
Dream High is now undefeated since relocating to the stable of Parry after previously being under the care of Brad Widdup in NSW.
The three-year-old gelding broke his maiden status at Mount Isa late last month and made it two victories on the trot at the track when Yadi did the steering in the 1000m Benchmark 55 Handicap.
Hoop Jason Babarovich appeared to have stolen the race along the fence aboard Inala Aticus before Yadi swooped late and scored by a small margin.
“I had never ridden this horse before this race but I spoke to the jockey Micheal McDonald who rode him in his last start,” Yadi said.
“He told me that the horse had a good chance to win again as he ran very well last time. He told me the horse was tough. I needed to ride a bit stronger with this one.
“I was happy with the horse’s run; he ran strong to the line. I gave him a couple with the stick and he kept fighting and fighting.
“Hopefully the horse can win a couple more times, I think he can.”
The Parry team have backed Yadi in recent meetings.
“She has been supporting me a lot, giving me rides,” he said.
Parry prepared a winning double on Saturday with Groove City landing her maiden victory.
Racing returns to Buchanan Park this Saturday.
– story by Jordan Gerrans via Racing Queensland