With just eight rides in
the first half of this year, Malaysian jockey Yazid Kamal's career in the
saddle was heading for a premature end especially after he stopped riding
for three months because of weight problems.
But the 28-year-old's
decision to move base to Singapore paid off when he scored in his third ride
at Kranji on CHEETAH in The First Aurora Cup (Class 5 - 1600m) on the
polytrack tonight.
Yazid, who rode 70 winners
in Malaysia, had to work hard for his victory. CHEETAH as usual set the pace
but was nearly nailed on the line by VERGLATICA who came from a long way
back in the running to challenge the leader.
The two horses went to the
line locked together but CHEETAH prevailed by a short head for the gelding's
second win in 14 starts.
"I didn’t think I would
ride my first winner here so soon. I was happy to just gain as much
experience as possible, but this first win has come as a nice surprise,"
said Yazid who was invited by CHEETAH's trainer Alvin Tan to try his luck in
Singapore.
"I ride mainly for Tan but
I hope this first win can get me rides from other trainers too," he said.
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