Affleck – something amiss?
With the 50th anniversary celebrations of Singaporean independence fast approaching, the Turf club held an honorary SG50 trophy this past Sunday, writes Gareth Pepper.
The meeting hosted a top class line up of some of our finest thoroughbreds.
Nine-time champion trainer Laurie Laxon held a strong hand with Affleck and Daniel taking their places in the field. It was Daniel however who again raised his game and fought on courageously to hold out a fast finishing Darci Charmer from the Clements yard.
Affleck was a disappointment and something seems amiss – he has reportedly been sent for a spell on the sidelines. Heres hoping he bounces back. His stablemate Daniel is a very progressive sort who was partnered by Corey Brown, who scored another feature race victory.
Jake Toeroek – likeable and he can ride too
Another temporary new addition to the riding ranks this weekend was likeable Adelaide apprentice Jake Toeroek.
The 21-year old is here by virtue of the fact that he was the Dux apprentice in his native Adelaide and every year the turf club hosts the recipient of this award for two weeks.
Jake bagged a double on Sunday and I must say I am really impressed with his style. He looks to have a bright future ahead of him and is definitely someone to keep an eye on. I think it would be great if the South African Jockey Academy could arrange some sort of reciprocal agreement to get our leading apprentice here. It would be an experience of a lifetime for the yearly victor.
Super Saturday
What terrific racing afternoon it was from Greyville.
Rabada – looks very special
Performance of the day for me was Rabada. As I have mentioned before, the Azzman and I go back a long way and I was over the moon for him. He instilled a passion for racing in me and that was as evident as ever when being interviewed by Deez.
Well done Azzman, I know how hard you and your team work and you deserve all the success and I am glad to hear that Adam and Ryan are waiting in the wings, honing their skills to continue with the Azzie legacy.
It was also a great ride by Anton and another deserved win at the highest level for the Joostes.
Well done Gav Lerena
I would also like to wish my old friend Gavin Lerena well on winning the Champion Jockey title. We attended the Academy together and it is a fitting victory for the talented rider. Well done Gav, I am very proud of you.
Finally to the De Kock stable, Anthony Delpech and Sean Phillips – congratulations on a wonderful performance by Wild One. I believe it took an extraordinary effort to get him back to the races after some setbacks and the genius that is Mike De Kock shone through.
I would like to wish everyone in South African racing all the best for the new season. I hope it is both highly successful and rewarding.
I hope to get home to attend a racemeeting or two in the next couple of months!
As we gear up towards National Day in Singapore Guy and Butters have been hard at work designing their outfits and a chant of sorts for the big day.
Although Butters is tone deaf, and when singing reminds me of an angle grinder going through a concrete slab, he must be applauded for his effort and I look forward to hearing and seeing what they come up with.
The Singapore Turf Club is also going the extra mile with celebrations and performances being put on during the week and on raceday and they too must be applauded.
From a colourful, excited and festive Singapore, Happy National day.
Till next time.
