SINGAPORE,  27 April 2007

Singapore will have a new trainer in its ranks in Sam Chua.

However, the 44-year-old Singaporean is by no means an unfamiliar face to the local racing fraternity as he has been working in the circuit for more than 17 years.

Assistant trainer to Charles Read since March 2004, he joined Japanese trainer Hideyuki Takaoka after the passing of the former in December 2005 and has been a major factor in the latter’s good run of successes in recent months.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to the challenge. I’m also very thankful to the Singapore Turf Club for allowing me the opportunity to train in Singapore,” said Chua who will bring Kranji’s trainer population to 23. “I aspire to be a good trainer and hope to do Singapore proud.”

Chua is married with no children, but is more than happy with his own special brood. “My horses are my children! I can’t imagine life without them,” said Chua.