IPOH:  Jan 13, 2024

Trainer William Looi and apprentice Nik Shahronnizam, who both had a single victory in their debut season last year, found success in the second week of racing in the new season here today.

Looi enjoyed instant success with his first runner ARION SUCECSS last October, just a week after he was granted his trainer's licence.

Now, the jockey-turned-trainer has recorded his first double with KING POWER and ZAC ACE today.

KING POWER was among the first horses he took over last October and had two unplaced runs a month later.

The nine-year-old, who had six previous wins including two last year, battled hard to snatch victory by a head after trailing the pacemaker JAPAN CAPTAIN from the start in the opening event over 1000m.

Looi only recently took over ZAC ACE and it was the 10-year-old's first start for him.

The veteran galloper won three races in Singapore and two in Malaysia and was racing after an eight-month layoff.

Shahronnizam, who had previous ridden exclusively in Penang, had an easy win on BIG MONEY, winner of two races last year.

The four-year-old led on settling down and though challenged by ULURU who ranged alongside him at the 800m, managed to kick away in the final 150m to win by 2 1/2 lengths.