3 minute read
Trainer Leticia Dragon heaved a huge sigh of relief as she finally welcomed her first 2016 winner on Friday night.
Prior to that much-needed ice-breaker, 70 runners had gone around Kranji without saluting until the aptly-named Remember Me rolled along to remind us of the training chops of the daughter of the late trainer Douglas Dragon.
Smiling from ear to ear and even going up to some happy uncles over the railings to shake their hands, Dragon said her horses had not been underperforming but it was just the winning post that had proven elusive.
“It’s a huge relief! I have finally got the monkey off my back,” said the former air-stewardess who is now at her fourth season.
“The last couple of months have been very tough but many of my horses have finished on board, many placegetters. It means they were running well, we just needed the luck.
“I only have a small stable and a lot of my horses have had a long season last year. I have new young horses coming through and the months ahead should be better.”
Winning jockey Danny Beasley only found out after the race he was the one who helped end Dragon’s barren run.
“I had no idea it was Leticia’s first win this season. She really deserves it and I have to thank her for putting me on as Remember Me was also my first ride back here,” said Beasley who made a Kranji comeback in February, after being away for one year after seven successful seasons.
“He really impressed me with the way he won tonight. What a way to win your maiden race!
“I told Leticia that he did not feel quite right after that first ride and she had to figure out what it was.
“I’m not sure what she did, but she’s fixed it for sure. He was a different horse tonight and there is no reason why he can’t win again.”
A four-year-old by Iffraaj, Remember Me, who was backed down to $14 favouritism, was bringing up his first win at his 15th start for owner Oh Eng Hwa.