The long wait is finally over for South African jockey Barend Vorster after he booted home his first winner since returning from a foot injury.
Vorster was sidelined for three months after sustaining two hairline fractures and ligament damage to his left ankle when his mount Johnny Guitar played up in the gates at the start of the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby on July 13.
But with no other choice but to listen to his doctor’s orders to allow the injury to fully heal, Vorster had to sit out as many as 24 meetings before finally making his riding comeback on Friday night.
From two rides, Vorster was, however, unable to make a fairytale return, but did give flashes of his talent when a cracking second aboard Rock Esprit to the untouchable Affleck in the Premier Racing Bloodstock Stakes (1400m).
If he could not wait to get back in the winner’s circle, which he last visited on June 29 with Alan, he did not have to fret, though. Taking four rides on Sunday, Vorster was right bang on target at his last one, Super Victory for trainer Brian Dean in the $38,000 Kranji Stakes D – Division 2 race over 1200m.
Settling the O’Reilly six-year-old in fourth spot, Vorster bided his time before launching his mount at the top of the straight. Satellite King and Joseph See did give him a bit of a wrestling match inside the last 200m, but Vorster’s determination to get that first win out of the way proved too strong.
Super Victory ($29), who was at his first run for Dean after being under the care of Patrick Shaw at his first 22 starts that returned two wins, scored by a head from Satellite King with Lion Master (Ivaldo Santana) third another 1 ¾ lengths away. The winning time was 1min 11.24secs for the 1200m on the Short Course.
“It’s very pleasing to be back and ride a winner at only my second meeting,” said a beaming Vorster.
“My leg is feeling very good, but it’s just the fitness I had to get back. That’s why I took only two rides on Friday and today I stepped it up with four rides.
“It’s come all good and it’s now up to me to go and prove myself. That win could not have come at a better time.”
Vorster said Super Victory was a horse he knew well for having partnered him eight times, albeit never first across the line.
“It wasn’t the strongest field, but my horse gave me a very good ride,” said the 2004 Singapore champion jockey.
“He’s a long-striding horse and you have to keep his momentum up. He was hanging in a bit, and I also dropped the rein, but nevertheless, he fought hard.
“It’s a good thing he is a long-striding horse and has a long neck!”
It’s a good thing some jockeys like Vorster have a steely will to succeed – and a good sense of humour to boot!
