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Popular South African jockey Barend Vorster reached another major career milestone when he brought up his 700th winner aboard Mighty Glory on Friday night.
The 39-year-old has become a well-established hoop in the Kranji riding ranks since he first dipped his toes in 2003 before deciding to make a more permanent move that in the blink of an eye has now stretched to 13 seasons - and counting.
That latest landmark win – that came in a $38,000 Kranji Stakes D Division 2 race over 1400m - may pale in comparison with his two most prestigious feats, landing the champion jockey title in 2004 and winning the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) aboard Ato in 2012, but the Singapore permanent resident was still rapt to have come that far.
“It’s lovely to get to this score. I’m first of all grateful to be here in this position in Singapore,” said Vorster who hit his last century (600 wins) with the Michael Freedman-trained Mr Armstrong two years ago on February 21, 2014.
“I’ve had great support from all the trainers here, especially Pat (Shaw) from the word go. He has always stuck with me through thick and thin.
“Hopefully, there will be more winners to come after that.”
Vorster, who had wife Nikki by his side to celebrate his milestone, said Mighty Glory ($30) benefitted from a fairly soft lead even if favourite Megusto (Vlad Duric) ranged upsides for most of the way.
“The horse went forward quite well and I was able to hold my ground even when the favourite came camping on our outside,” he said.
“He was always on the bit and kicked very well at the top of the straight. I think the blinkers had him sharper tonight.
“Fit horses win races, simple as that.”
Assistant-trainer Ricardo Le Grange paid tribute to Vorster and his contribution to the Patrick Shaw stable success at the winner’s enclosure.
“Barend never misses a day at the stable. He’s a hard worker and a great jockey and deserves every success that comes his way,” said the fellow South African.
A five-year-old by O’Reilly, Mighty Glory has now taken his record to three wins and 12 placings from 30 starts for stakes earnings past the $200,000 mark for the Tmen Stable.
