|
A few months after moving
his stables to Kuala Lumpur, trainer Frank Maynard has returned to his
former base to capture the RM1.35m Yang Di Pertua Negeri (Penang) Gold Cup
here today.
NEW KUALA DIPANG's win in
the 2200m handicap was the biggest win for the former Perth trainer in
Malaysia and also the biggest success yet for jockey S Salee.
It also ended Singapore's
run of two consecutive wins in the Gold Cup which was opened to Singapore
entries for the third year.
KUALA NEW DIPANG (Faltaat -
Herbaceous by Lord Balina), given the run of the race by Salee, surged to
the front at the 200m and drew away from his rivals to win by five and a
quarter lengths.
Outsider SHANTOU MAYOR (Montjeu
- Terlingua Light by Catrail) finished second ahead of IT'S ALL MONEY (Magic
Of Money - Ponziani by Nassipour). ROYAL ADMIRAL (Starjo - Kilmaghenny by
Lord Ballina) did best of the four Singapore entry, finishing fourth.
While NEW KUALA DIPANG was
lukewarm in the betting, paying RM96 for a win, trainer Maynard was he was
not surprised at the win. "We bought this horse with the Gold Cup in mind.
We would have been more confident had he had a run in the Coronation Cup
last month. But he definitely benefited from his run last week."
Winner of four races in New
Zealand including the listed Marton Stakes (Manawatu 1600m), NEW KUALA
DIPANG finished third in his debut in June and quickly went on to win over
1400m in his next start.
He finished down the field
in the Astro Wah Lai Toi Vase in October and had to skip the Coronation Cup
on veterinary ground. His second placing to stablemate JERAM NEW VILAGE last
week served to tune him up nicely for his task today, his first outing over
a distance.
 |
