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Jockey Taib Affandi made a long awaited return to the winner’s circle when China Eagle took out the $35,000 Class 5 Div. 1 Stakes over 1700m on Friday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Coming from off the speed, China Eagle charged home to score by a length-and-a-half from By Law (Mohd Zaki) with Bukit Rose Wood (Muhd Firdaus) a length-and-a-quarter away third in a race restricted to the claiming riders only.
Affandi, 29, had been winless since scoring aboard Famous Than U on March 26, 2010, just before he was forced to the sidelines through disqualification for one year.
He returned to race riding around 12 months ago and couldn’t hide his delight at landing the long overdue winner.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a year,” said Affandi. “I’ve got to thank the trainers that have supported me in my comeback.”
Affandi, who can claim 3kg, rides trackwork predominantly for China Eagle’s trainer Steven Lam and Mok Zhan Lun who was successful earlier in the day with Bourbon Goldman.
AffaHendi said the strong pace was a help to his horse. Sudden Interest (Mohd Alif) got out with a long lead coming off the back-straight but was quickly gobbled up turning for home.
“The pace was strong which suited my horse,” said Affandi. “I just had to wait for the straight as I knew my horse would run on.
“It’s a great feeling to ride a winner and I hope that the trainers keep on supporting me.”
Affandi had 56 rides during 2012 with the closest he came to success was riding two second placings while Friday’s victory was his 23rd ride for the 2013 season, having previously registered one second placing.
China Eagle relished the drop in grade from Class 4 company on Friday. A five-year-old by Bel Esprit from Apalachicola, he landed his third win from 28 starts and took his prizemoney past the $100,000 for the Stanna Stable with the victory.
