3 minute read

Having already enjoyed success as an owner in New Zealand, Australia and of course Singapore, trainer Laurie Laxon can now add Ireland as his latest conquest.

Two years ago, the nine-time Singapore champion trainer bought a quarter share in an Irish-bred yearling by Fastnet Rock out of a full-sister to four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats, Magnolia Lane, during one of his yearly trips to France, more precisely, at Deauville. The other shares went to his good mates, New Zealand breeding supremos Sir Peter Vela and Sir Patrick Hogan and a Canadian-based partner Mohamed Moussa.

Costing 70,000 Euros and later named Torcedor by the foursome, the gelding who is managed by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis, himself a leading owner in both New Zealand and Singapore (via Mark Walker), ran three times in Maiden races in Ireland for two placings for leading Irish trainer David Wachman before he finally broke through at The Curragh on Irish Oaks Day (won by Covert Love) on Saturday.

Laxon, who only returned to Singapore from his two-week French holidays on Sunday, said he was still in France when Torcedor won, but was thrilled to bits when he received a text their Deauville purchase had come up trumps.

And it could not have been a happier coincidence that the 69-year-old flew back in Singapore on Sunday at 4pm in time to watch his last-race Kranji winner on TV…Deauville!

“It’s been a great trip and it got even better when we heard our horse Torcedor won in Ireland,” said the Kiwi mentor.

“He is managed by Te Akau Racing and runs in David’s tangerine and royal blue silks. He was the favourite and even if it was just a Maiden race, it was still a big thrill, more so when it was Oaks Day.

“He’s a well-bred three-year-old gelding by Fastnet Rock out of a full sister to Yeats. He’s obviously bred to stay and he’s already proven it in only four runs.”

Torcedor has raced principally over long distances (2100 to 2600m) and recorded his maiden win in the Killashee Maiden over 2400m with Wayne Lordan in the saddle.

Wachman, considered as one of Ireland’s leading flat trainers, gave the Kiwi-owned galloper the thumbs-up post-race.

“He did it fine and was always threatening to win a maiden. He stays well and is a fine big horse,” said the Tipperary handler.

Back home, Laxon was greeted by the news his team headed by his assistant-trainer Shane Ellis had not been loafing around either. Six wins including two ‘black type’ (Group 3 Yew Tee Classic Stakes with Stepitup and Group 3 Paititi Gold Trophy with Daniel) have come their way, keeping them well in the mix for this year’s premiership title race with 41 winners (third), only nine shy of current leader Walker.

“Shane and the whole team have done a good job while I was away. We are going very well and let’s hope it stays that way,” said Laxon.