Karl Zechner is poised to depart the South Australian riding ranks in the new year.

The Zimbabwean-born South African has called Adelaide home for a year and will relocate to Queensland and be based in Brisbane.

“It’s more for the family,’’ Zechner said.

“It’s important to do the right thing for the family and it’s something I feel I had to do sooner rather than later,’’ he said.

Zechner came to Australia with an impressive resume having ridden almost 600 winners.

He has currently has 81 wins to his name in Australia and is set to leave in the best form of his local career having ridden 20 winners since October. Zechner is fresh off a double at Bordertown on Sunday including the feature race on Sebonna.

He said he has loved his time in Adelaide having enjoyed plenty of success for top trainers Jon O’Connor and Peter Hardacre.

“I really have enjoyed my time here,’’ Zechner said.

“And I’ve learnt a lot,’’ he said.

Racing SA