John Sundradas, or S John as he is better known here, is not known for over-the-top celebrations, but one could tell the low-key jockey was quietly savouring his return to the winner’s circle on Friday.
Gentlemen Agreement’s well-timed swoop on the outside to get up by a neck might have occurred in a modest $50,000 Class 4 Division 1 race (1400m), but the significance of the win was not lost on the Malaysian rider.
The former two-time (2002 and 2003) Singapore champion apprentice jockey, who turns 40 in April, did not get to ply his trade for the whole of last year following the non-renewal of his jockey’s licence.
Unlike some jockeys who went overseas to continue their riding careers, John preferred to stay in Singapore, even if some offers were made.
He is glad he stuck it out. His licence was reinstated for six months from January 1 this year.
“I’m very happy I won my first race in just over one year,” said John who last saluted aboard Ocean General on November 19, 2017, incidentally for the same trainer as Gentlemen Agreement – Leticia Dragon.
“This one year gap felt like a really long time. I’d like to thank the Singapore Turf Club for giving me a licence this year.”
It was not quite enforced holiday, though, as John still hung around at Kranji, but as a senior track rider for Dragon.
At least, John could still do what he knows best - ride, but nothing beats a race ride, especially a winning one, something he did 293 times before since his formative years as an apprentice jockey with Malcolm Thwaites.
“A big thanks to Leticia for having supported me during that one-year gap as a track rider. I still had a job to do, and now she’s still supporting me as a jockey,” said John.
“I was quite confident Gentlemen Agreement could win on Friday. At his last run before the win, he raced in a higher grade and he still ran a good third (to Gingerella).
“The weight (51.5kgs) also made it easier for the horse this time. He was my best chance to win a race again since I made my comeback on January 1, and he didn’t disappoint.
“I’ve been riding him in trackwork every morning, and he gave me a good feeling going into Friday’s race.
“He came from behind to win a nice race. That’s his running style.
“He’s more of a 1600m horse, that’s why I didn’t want to burn him up, but get some cover instead as it’s a long straight.
“The owner is Mr Samy of the famous Samy’s Curry restaurant. He was among the owners who asked me to come back after so long, and I’d like to thank him for his support.”
To that end, John was also delighted Gentlemen Agreement’s win might have been the trigger to a noticeable hike in bookings.
“I’ve got eight rides this weekend. Leticia gave me another couple of good rides; one on Friday, Pacific Secret (Class 5 race over 1200m) and Wonderful Era on Sunday in the $38,000 Kranji Stakes D race over the Polytrack mile.
“David Hill also gave me a good ride on Sunday – Nova Classic ($38,000 Kranji Stakes D Division 1 race over 1200m). I’ve also picked up rides from trainers like Leslie Khoo, Alwin Tan and Mok Zhan Lun.
“It’s a great start to my new licence. Let’s hope it carries on.”
