KUALA LUMPUR:  Aug 20, 2022

Back in action in Malaysia after a lapse of three years, Bernardo Pinheiro quickly showed racing fans that they were missing when he booted home four winners from just five rides at Sungei Besi here today.

The Brazilian jockey took the local scene by storm in 2019 when he rode 33 winners during a few short months in the country, the highlight of which was winning five races on FLASH ONE, RACE FOR FAME, SACRED GALAXY, GYARADOS and MR WOLFF at this track on September 21.

Pinheiro is currently riding on a short-term licence in Singapore and took the opportunity to fly in today for a one-day raid which has turned out to be a very successful one.

Pinheiro was off to the best possible start when he had an armchair ride on HIGH WATER, with the Australian gelding leading all the way and went to the line seven lengths clear of the rest.

The five-year-old had won one of two runs in Singapore and was making his Malaysian debut.

"The trainer told me he is in very good form and has a lot of speed, said Pinheiro. "There are some speed in the race but we were lucky to be drawn gate 1. I managed to get a good jump and once I got the lead, I tried to go at an easy pace to save for the straight. In the straight, he just flew."

After an unplaced ride, Pinheiro was back in the winner's circle with ESTIJAAB, a winner of two races in New Zealand but breaking through for his first win in Malaysia in nine starts.

"The trainer advised me before the race that he is not 100% sound with the way he breathes," said Pinheiro. "I got a good jump and tried to get him relaxed and save ground racing on the rails. I managed to find a good gap in the straight to go on the side of the leader. When I pushed him he answered me very well."

Pinheiro followed up in the next race to score on odds-on favourite GOOD FIGHT, a one-time winner in Singapore but winning for the second time in four runs in Malaysia.

"The trainer advised me he might pose a problem in the gate. Luckily I took the blindfold off at the right time and he jumped well," recalled Pinheiro. "He wasn't interested early and took a little time to get going in the straight after I sent him through a nice gap."

Pinheiro completed his hattrick with ISFAHAN, who was winning for the third time in 22 starts in the country.

"The horse had a wide gate so I tried to get him come inside which we did quite quickly," said Pinheiro. "At the top of the straight, I felt the leading horse (HIGH COUNCIL) went too early and I just tried to keep mine on a straight course.

"I kept pushing him for an final effort and he responded well in the end."

ISFAHAN won drawing away by 2 1/4 lengths for Pinheiro's fourth winner of the day.

"I couldn't be happier," said Pinheiro. "Five rides for four wins. I want to thank everyone for the support. I feel very much at home here and much welcomed."