A jubilant Joao Moreira returned to scales aboard his 100th season winner Good Loouken on Sunday, but later let in the beaming smile was not over the milestone, but trainer Leticia Dragon instead.
The Brazilian jockey, who has already broken the century at Krani twice (2010 and 2011), said he immediately had a thought for Dragon after crossing the line as the winner was the trainer's first personal purchase in Argentina.
Inspired by the success met by Argentinian-breds in Singapore, the daughter of just-retired trainer Douglas Dragon ventured to the South American country for the first time last August and came back with six horses in her shopping cart, Good Loouken being the first to make his Kranji debut (Kingracer would have been the first, but was scratched last Friday).
After racing handy from the start in the $75,000 Class 3 ICAP Singapore Stakes (1100m) on Polytrack, the four-year-old by Easing Along (same sire as Martincho Cat) came with a sustained run from the 400m to lower the colours of the resuming Al's Knight (John Powell) by a neck. Another comeback kid, Slither (Stephen Baster) ran on late for third another 1 ½ lengths away.
The winning time was a smart 1min 5.43secs.
“Honestly, I was not thinking about the 100th win when I won. I was happy for Leticia as she bought that horse for herself,” said Moreira.
“But I'm also proud of reaching my 100th win because I've touched that mark even earlier than last year (August 28 on Quinta De Lago) and that means a lot to me.”
Moreira went on to establish a new record on 153 winners last year, eclipsing his previous record of 116 wins, but at the rate he is going this year, the magical 200-mark could be well within his reach - and even exceeded, barring lengthy suspensions or injury.
Still, the two-time Singapore champion jockey was coy about any target he has set himself regarding the 2012 haul.
“I don't think about it. I just go out there and do the best I can,” said Moreira who later saw his score swell to 101 wins when he booted home Irish Flash in the next race, the $35,000 Class 5 race over 1800m.
“And so far it's worked out pretty well this year.”
Dragon said Good Loouken has reached Singapore too late to be considered a realistic chance for the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, which sees its second Leg, the Group 1 Patron's Bowl (1600m) run next Sunday and the final Leg, the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) on July 15.
“I'll see how he pulls up but at this stage I don't think he's ready to run 2000m,” said Dragon.
“He had no problems when he came in January but he had to be spelled. I didn't rush him and it's unfortunate the Derby has come too early.
“I went to Argentina last year and saw him win his last race (1400m) at Palermo and I liked him straightaway. I made an offer and the price was right – and he became mine.
"I'm also glad for Joao he achieved another milestone with me. Do you know we gave Joao his very first winner Ascendant in 2009, and this year's first winner - Sky Wiper - and now we've given him his 100th winner?
"He's Singapore's most popular jockey, but he's also been a very special jockey to us."
