International jockey keen for Gold Coast stint

By Jordan Gerrans

Well-travelled international hoop Elione Chaves is excited to kick-off his riding stint in Australia this Saturday on the Gold Coast after linking up with the growing stable of Adam Campton.

Hailing from Brazil, the experienced jockey has ridden winners all around the world and starts his Australian journey at Aquis Park on Saturday before heading to Caloundra for two rides the following day.

Chaves has a close connection with champion rider Corey Brown, who suggested he head to the Gold Coast with Campton.

While Brown has stepped into the next stage of his life in the industry, he began his riding career in country NSW before transferring his indentures to Rosehill trainer and former top jockey, Neil Campton.

Neil’s son Adam is these days a fledgling trainer on the Gold Coast.

“Corey has been helping me to contact people and I wanted to give it a go to ride in Australia now,” Chaves said on Thursday afternoon before his Australian debut.

“I like it here and I am excited to start riding.

“I am happy to work hard and ride wherever I can and learn as much as I can about Australian racing.”

Chaves has ridden in Sweden and Dubai in recent times, as well as several other countries around the world.

Campton thinks the international hoop will be an asset to his stable and the wider industry in the Sunshine State.

Chaves made the journey out to Ipswich on Wednesday of this week to have a closer look at the riding ranks before taking his first engagements on Saturday.

“He has been looking at always moving to Australia and have a look around,” Campton said.

“Corey suggested that he come up to my stable – he was considering Adelaide – but Corey suggested to give the Gold Coast and Brisbane a crack.

“I think he will kick-off on the Gold Coast and he might progress to Brisbane as he has ridden over 1500 winners and ridden all over the world.

“He is a great track work rider as well and he will be a big part of our team.”

Chaves is getting used to life on the Glitter Strip of Australia, heading down to the beach on Thursday in between work commitments.

He was set to partner all three of his race bookings for the weekend in their final piece of work on Friday morning at the Gold Coast.

Chaves is on an initial three month visa to Australia, which can be extended to 12 months.

“Just around the stables, he seems like a very good horseman and loves his horses,” Campton said.

“He has been an absolute pleasure to deal with and I think he will do well here in Queensland.”

Chaves is the second rider to land with Campton this year through a connection with Brown.

Apprentice hoop Yvette Lewis made the move north earlier in 2022 from country NSW.

Lewis has piloted 12 so far in her Sunshine State stint and has four race bookings across the weekend and three different tracks.