Apprentice Jimmy Kek will remember New Year’s Day 2013 for the rest of his life after landing his first winner.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Riding the David Hill-trained Travertine, Kek made a decisive mid-race move in the $55,000 Prosperity 2013 Class 4 Stakes over 1200m on the Polytrack.
Returning a $58 dividend, Travertine opened up a five length break before straightening for home and then held-on to score by a length-and-a-half from Danny Ricardo (Soo Khoon Beng) with Boundless Glory (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) a neck away third.
Kek, a 28 year-old Singaporean, is indentured to Hill and had just the one ride on Tuesday for his master.
A STAR program graduate, Kek was having his 31st ride on Tuesday having previously had just the one ride in New Zealand before having 29 rides in Singapore in 2012, capturing three second placings.
After beginning his apprenticeship with Hill, Kek was sent to New Zealand for more experience under the guidance of Jason Bridgman.
He returned to the Hill stable last July and the New Zealand experience obviously paid dividends as he guided Travertine to an impressive victory.
“It’s a big thrill,” said Kek who has been riding for three years. “I have to thank the boss (Hill) for giving me the opportunity.
“Also I have to thank Jason Bridgman in New Zealand and the apprentice master Damien (Kinninmont) here who also helped me a lot.
“When I first started the boss sent me down to New Zealand for more experience for one year and I gained a lot from that.”
Hill congratulated Kek on his victory but didn’t want it going to his head.
“Don’t be late for work in the morning,” said Hill with a laugh.
Travertine, a five-year-old Australian-bred gelding by Rock Of Gibraltar from Fetes Galantes, has won four of his 21 starts for Newbury Racing, last season’s leading owners.
