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Talented jockey Michael Rodd celebrated the extension of his current visiting jockey’s licence to the end of the year with a masterful winning ride aboard Clutha Lad on Friday night.
The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey had been a revelation since commencing his original three-month contract at Kranji on January 1, bringing up 21 winners in the space of only 10 weeks, a healthy haul which he has now padded up to 22 thanks to Clutha Lad.
The tactical nous shown by the 33-year-old jockey was arguably the decisive factor when he clicked up his mount into a higher gear to leave the ruck and circle the nine-horse field four wide. By the home turn, the son of Thorn Park was still out wide, but travelling on the bit and all poised to stake his claim.
In the twinkling of an eye, Clutha Lad caught his rivals unawares as he sped to the front under Rodd’s expert guidance. Nation Theatre (Matthew Kellady) did stick on with him for about 100m but the greater momentum Clutha Lad had built up from the 700m made the difference.
Verglatica (Corey Brown) jumped out of the ground late, but had to concede defeat for the second time in a row to a horse sporting the tangerine and blue starts of Te Akau Racing Stable. The Steven Burridge-trained grey ran second to trainer Mark Walker’s and Te Akau’s New Zealand owner David Ellis’ Alpha Centauri at his last outing.
While Rodd was being lauded for his brilliant ride, the modest jockey played it down as an “ugly ride”.
“It was just the right move at the right time, nothing else,” he said.
“Sometimes, you have to ride them ugly to be effective. He’s a Polytrack horse and he just went along when I let him roll forward at the top of them.”
Though his successful start put him in good stead for a renewal of his licence, Rodd did not take it for granted he would get the nod.
“It’s fantastic I got renewed. I enjoy it so much here,” said Rodd.
“It’s all very exciting and hopefully I can stay in Singapore for a while.”
Like many of his peers at Kranji, Walker was glad Rodd’s services will be available for a while longer as he paid kudos to the Australian for his polish, which was certainly on show aboard Clutha Lad ($16) for their third winning combo (Mala Mala and Catch Me Great were the previous winners).
“That was a top ride from Michael. He got around them and made an early move, which made the difference in the end,” said the Kiwi conditioner.
“That caught them napping and once he got a break, it was always going to be tough for the others.
“Michael’s a class jockey and it’s great he’s been relicensed.”
Walker said Clutha Lad has had his fair share of issues, but was not without ability and has been a good moneyspinner for Ellis.
“He bled a couple of times but he’s been a great moneyspinner for David,” said Walker.
“I think David got him for only NZ$36,000 out of Karaka and he’s already been such a consistent horse here.”
With that fourth win, Clutha Lad has now amassed close to $200,000 in stakes earnings.