After last week’s article, I must thank everyone for the feedback. Most of it was positive but all in all I must thank those who got in touch. It is amazing what a piece like that can do and it was great to hear from old friends who I had not heard from in a long time. The point of the article was misunderstood in some quarters and well received in most – but that is what comes with writing an opinion piece, writes Gareth Pepper.
In this part of the world young trainer James “Hollywood” Peters saddled his first Group winner with the improving sort Titanium in the opening leg of the 4YO series, the Stewards Cup.
James Peters
The field was hot and super competitive and finding a winner was not easy, for all of the right reasons – a quality field with the majority of the runners having a chance in the set weights race.
Hollywood saddled three runners and was of the opinion that the eventual winner would be worth following in the 2nd, and 3rd legs!
However, he displayed a fantastic turn of foot and rallied late down the outside in what was to be a commanding performance. Well done to James, six weeks in and he has already trained a Group 2 winner.
Jockey Manoel Nunes – kidney stones knocked him low
Champion jockey for the past two seasons Manoel Nunes, was originally booked, but after suffering the misfortune of kidney stones, was replaced by Harry Kassim.
Michael Rodd
A youngster riding as a senior for the first year and weighing in at 48kgs, he is under utilised but loaded with talent. He he proved he could hold his own with the ever growing list of world-class jockeys that ply their trade here in Singapore.
Glen Boss of Makybe Diva success has taking up a six month stint here and has vowed to be a contender in next year’s jockey premiership.
Another Ozzie star jockey back in the play is Michael Rodd.
He unfortunately fractured his heel and will spend another several weeks on the sidelines after a stint of eleven painstakingly long ones which ended just three weeks ago.
In his short stint back, Michael claimed a Group 2 and a Group 1 and his story of late shows just how many ups and downs are possible in this industry.
Till next time.
