THE influx of Turkish-born apprentices to the state continues with 26-year-old Erhan Kacmaz the latest to make his way to Tasmania.
Victorian-based Kacmaz intends riding in Tasmania won a regular basis with his first meeting in Hobart next Monday.
Tasmania already has two Turkish apprentices riding in the state in Rasit Yetimova and Bulent Muchu, who, like Kacmaz, are graduates from the Queensland racing education program.
Kacmaz is indentured to Robert Smerdon at his Aquanita Stables in Ballarat.
Smerdon rates Kacmaz as an exciting prospect.
The rider signed up for the Queensland racing education program about 10 years ago but due to visa problems he was forced to return to Turkey where he had to wait for the all clear to obtain a permit to ride in Australia.
He spent a year riding in Qatar in the United Arab Emirates before heading to Aquanita.
Kacmaz weighs only 49kg and he can claim 4kg on all Tasmanian tracks.
He can be booked for rides through his racing manager Warren Conroy on 0421 094903.