KEY POINTS:
South African-born nomad Jason Jago has called time out on his frequent flyer miles.
The 34-year-old has had riding OEs in Zimbabwe, Mauritius, the United States and Australia, and racked up nearly 700 career victories since 1989.
But the newest face in the jockeys' room at Te Aroha
today says he's ready to settle down here for good.
"I really moved here for my kids," said the father-of-two.
"I like what New Zealand has to offer them. It's a great country for them to grow up in and my wife and I both love the lifestyle."
Just weeks into the move, the Cambridge-based Jago is yet to salute the judge on raceday from a handful of rides.
The winner of six group ones is confident that with hard work and hustle at trials, it's only a matter of time.
Co-trainer Graham Richardson is hoping he can give Jago his first raceday win today on Mumzahoney in the R70 2200m.
Richardson met Jago during the rider's stint with Melbourne trainer Tony Noonan in 2004.
Impressed with Jago's style, on and off the track, he was happy to help when Jago's Zimbabwe-born pal Mark Du Plessis came calling.
"He rides good," said Richardson. "I can't really give him a fair go because I haven't got a big team, but hopefully I can give him his first win on Mumzahoney."
Jago had his first New Zealand ride on the promising mare at Tauranga on November 17.
The birdcage rogue finished an encouraging sixth fresh-up over 1600m, hinting at bigger things last time out for Jago on her home track on December 6.
But the 5-year-old disappointed Richardson second-up over 2000m, beating only five home.
Richardson is hoping the addition of a hood today can be the key to winning a slot in the $100,000 Dunstan Feeds Championship Final at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.
"She's still at the improving stage, but she can gallop," he said.
Richardson is also expecting to see Don Domingo show early Mercedes Derby potential when he debuts for Jago in race five.
The unraced gelding is a half-brother by Don Eduardo to the exciting cups contender Pasta Post.
"I like this horse," said Richardson. "He's big and immature, and still needs practice.
"But they're only 3 once and if he's got half the ability of Pasta Post, I'd like to think we'll end up in the Derby."