THIS year, Spreyton apprentice jockey Daniel Ganderton became the latest in a string of success stories about Tasmanian jockeys making a name for themselves on the mainland.

And it was a case of straight in the deep end for 19-year-old Ganderton, who was recruited by one of the most high-profile stables in the country - none other than Tulloch Lodge, run by trainer Gai Waterhouse.

The daughter of the legendary Tommy (TJ) Smith, Waterhouse has been a trainer for the past 15 years and has prepared 83 Group One winners, won three NSW trainer's premierships and four Sydney trainer's premierships and trained three Golden Slipper winners.

Living up to his potential, Ganderton almost instantly rewarded his new mentor, riding two winners in his first two rides.

In his first month in Sydney, Ganderton had 23 rides resulting in five wins and seven placings, giving him an impressive winning strike rate of 4.6 (rides per win).

He won a $50,000 race at Gosford and has also scored at Newcastle and other major provincial tracks in recent months.

Recruited by Waterhouse's racehorse syndicator, former Devonport woman Denise Martin, Ganderton has made a big impression in his short time in Sydney.

Ganderton was apprenticed to Spreyton trainer Leon Wells, who gave his blessing to his young protege.

He was initially on loan to Waterhouse, who has been so impressed with his results, she has since transferred his apprenticeship from Wells.