Chinese new Year is here again and as we usher in the Year of the Monkey, preparations and celebrations are well under way, writes Gareth Pepper.
It is a fun and jovial time here at the turf club, with many gifts, cakes and celebrations too!
We were lucky enough to have a few days off and this really did help to recharge the batteris for a busy few weeks ahead.
The decorations are a sight to behold and I really enjoy this time of the year.
Quechua wins Fortune Bowl
As we welcome in the new year , Pat Shaw has achieved a remarkable feat. He has saddled the first four past the post in the Fortune Bowl (Gr 3) and whats even more remarkable is that his star stayer Quechua has defied top weight to put in a resilient effort to take it out.
This again shows Pat’s dominance in the staying ranks here in Singapore and I look forward to seeing what transpires in the upcoming months!
Another horse that really went well was Magnum – he bolted in on the day and he is still my horse to follow here in Singapore.
He would be my early pick for the Group 1 guineas and by the time that race comes around he will be trained by James Peters. Peters, assistant to Michael Freedman currently , will take over from the man he has worked for in Singapore for the last six years.
Freedman is returning to Rosehill to setup an operation here, and the likeable Peter’s has been given a really big opportunity with a stable that could put him on the map. Peter’s has ridden national hunt winners and has travelled the world with a wealth of knowledge behind, he should make his presence felt here relatively quickly. Keep an eye on his stable, he is going places.
Michael and Cara Rodd have welcomed a daughter into the world and I want to wish them many years of happiness with Lila Rose. Michael will be able to spend a lot of time with his new addition to the family as he has unfortunately fractured his foot in four places and the doctors have recommended 6-8 weeks on the sidelines. We wish Michael a speedy recovery.
Till next time.
