Joe Kamaruddin was in red-hot form at New Plymouth on Thursday when taking out the apprentice jockeys challenge.

He opened his account with a win aboard the Robbie Patterson-trained Swiss Kitty in the 1200m maiden before going on to win aboard stablemate Dame Vera in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m).

He closed his account with victory in the last race on the card aboard the Darrell Hollinshead-trained Lord Valentine, giving Kamaruddin a treble and the apprentice challenge title.

Kamaruddin now sits on 28 wins for the season and he was pleased with his success on Thursday.

“I have to thank all the trainers and owners who have supported me today,” he said. “I was able to ride some nice horses and it was a lucky day today.”

It was also a special day for fellow apprentice jockey Jeetesh Mudhoo who recorded his first win from his first raceday ride when victorious aboard Jane O’ in the Dave Brophy Memorial Maiden (1600m).