The name Mark Khan has always resonated with the title of Champion Jockey.
So, what happens when one of the greatest riders of our era switches allegiances to training?
Philasande Mxoli steers Circus Lights to a surprise first win (Pic – JC Photos)
Well, he is doing just fine, having taken the plunge last season after decades in the saddle to try his hand at sending out winners – rather than riding them.
In August Khan told the Sporting Post that he was looking forward to the new challenge and he felt it was a natural progression in his professional life.
And he really could not have chosen a more accomplished exponent of his art than Grant Maroun to learn from.
It’s been a great start!
While it came as a surprise for some punters, the irrepressible Khan was thrilled to saddle the Ridgemont-bred Duke Of Marmalade gelding Circus Lights to a good win at Turffontein on Tuesday.
Ridden by the progressive Philasande Mxoli, Circus Lights started at generous odds and kicked into gear for a surprise victory in the Betway Aviator Maiden Plate.
Mxoli said, “Going down to the start he felt like a different horse, he was really fresh, and he felt like he’s well. I was very confident with him”.
“He was given an excellent ride by Philasande Mxoli and was a long shot, due to the fact that he is something of an unreliable starter, which reflects in his form,” observed the happy trainer.
Having his thirteenth start for the partnership of Grant Maroun, Darren Simpson and Suniel Devachander, the 4yo started well and finally converted his promising work at home into a pleasing victory.
“This win should boost his confidence,” added Khan.
A son of deceased stallion Duke of Marmalade out of the six-time winning London News mare Picadilly Miss, and thus hailing from the winning family of Wrecking Ball (Great Britain) and Golden Man (Lateral), Circus Lights (16-1) beat the Hollywood Syndicate’s Inafix (7-1) by 1,50 lengths and clocked 58,96 secs for the 1000m.
