Aramco’s win in Monday’s last race signalled two landmark events for both jockey John Powell and trainer Shane Baertschiger.

The happy duo, who go back a long way and have struck up a successful partnership even from the days Baertschiger was assisting his father Don at Kranji, were soaking in their respective feats after the former Victorian galloper overpowered favourite Nova Missile (Olivier Placais) in the dying stages of the $60,000 Class 4 Division 1 race over 1200m.

The win marked Powell’s 500th win at Kranji while Baertschiger was ringing up his first career four-timer since taking over his father in March 2012. Powell earlier won on I’ve Got A Feeling while Baertschiger earlier saddled three winners, Commodore Lincoln, I’ve Got A Feeling and Creamy Custard.

But as eventful as the two achievements were, Baertschiger was gracious in saying that his No 1 jockey’s milestone probably eclipsed his by a head in a photo finish.

“It’s my first four-timer and I’m really rapt, but JP deserves all the accolades. He’s a hard worker, is a great judge of pace, and has been a big part of our team for a long time and it’s great to see him ride his 500th winner,” said the Australian handler.

“But like I said earlier, we also had a great first weekend, which is a testament to the great work the boys are doing at the stable.”

Undeniably one of the stalwarts in the Kranji jockeys’ room despite his status as a heavyweight jockey, Powell was his usual humble self as he accepted congratulatory pats on the back left, right and centre.

“I’ve been riding in Singapore since 2005 but I didn’t ride here in 2007. So, I’ve ridden here for 11 years and to reach 500 winners is a very good score considering my weight restrictions. It means a lot to me,” said the former Brisbane-based hoop.

“To be honest, I wasn’t aware of the milestone. I thought I was in the mid-400s until someone told me I had two to three winners to go before I hit 500.

“I’m happy with that feat, as jockeys like Joao Moreira and Saimee Jumaat have been riding a lot more winners here. So it’s nice to have my turn to have a record.

“Singapore is my second home now, and hopefully I can keep riding here until I retire one day.”

Powell, who will, however, sit out the next two meetings for a careless riding charge aboard Lucky Lincoln in a race last November, was certainly seen at his very best aboard both I've Got A Feeling (see earlier report) and Aramco, whose only blemish in three runs came at his second start when fourth to Macarthur.

“He didn’t cop the two-week back-up at his second run,” said Baertschiger of the Magic Albert four-year-old. “The break helped him freshen up and he scored a gutsy win today.

“He was caught wide but he just kept trying to beat Nova Missile who is also a good horse.”