Syed Zainal loves animals, but his job as a guest relations officer at the Singapore Zoo saw him dealing more with humans than their furrier friends.
The Marsiling boy did not mind the job, but deep down, was looking for a more hands-on job with animals. Horses were not quite the avenue he had in mind then, but when he stumbled upon a Singapore Training Academy for Racing (STAR) recruitment ad in 2011, he knew his days pacifying angry visitors with screaming kids in tow were over.
Five years on, the 28-year-old was the one yelling with delight when $222 smokie Storm Trooper, only his fourth career ride, came from the ruck to join a tight finish and cross the line first, a neck clear of favourite Whose Else’s (Vlad Duric) in Sunday’s $60,000 Class 4 Division 1 race over 1400m.
The emotional young man did not fail to thank his master Mark Walker as well as a few fellow jockeys, not to mention his family as he jumped off his memorable first career winner, but one name stood out.
“My master Mr Walker has helped me a lot, and my parents and my siblings have been very supportive from Day 1. I cannot forget other riders like Shafiq Rizuan, Oscar Chavez and Saifudin Ismail, who have always encouraged me and given me advice how to improve my riding,” said Syed.
“But if there is one person who was my biggest influence, it has to be Noel Harris (former New Zealand champion jockey). He’s really a legend and he is also a very good teacher.
“But Mr Walker is the one who encouraged me to become a jockey when I was just a simple syce. He believed in me and I’m forever grateful to him for that career switch.
“It wasn’t easy as I had to juggle stable work and classes. I had to ride in the morning and work at the stables in the afternoon, and in between go for classes.
“But I was happier working with horses than working at the zoo. Dealing with people was very stressful there, and I’m glad I have found a job where I’m happy, though I know becoming a jockey can be stressful, too.
“Mr Walker also gave me the chance to spend time in New Zealand for 1 ½ years. I didn’t ride in races but I got a lot of exposure in barrier trials.
“It’s helped me a lot as I felt I was a better rider when I came back this year. It’s also helped me improve my English.
“Mr Walker has been supporting me with rides since I got my jockey’s licence here, and I hope there will be more rides to come after today’s win, not just from him, but also from other trainers.”
Walker, who was once the master of two-time champion apprentice jockey Shafiq Rizuan, and currently has Ng Choon Kiat and Zawari Razali indentured to him as well, predicted a brilliant career for Syed as long as he keeps his head on his shoulders.
“He’s a hard-working boy and is well-mannered. Horses run for him and I’m very happy he won his first race,” said the 2015 Singapore champion trainer.
“Four kilos off is a great advantage and today he rode the winner very well. I will definitely support him with more rides.”
