The smiles and the high fives were back in the David Kok camp on Friday night after Speedy Phoenix snapped a long run of outs that has been going on since New Year’s Day.
On that day, Kok saddled Major Advancement and Racing Talent (both ridden by Glen Boss) to an auspicious double to kickstart the year.
But the engine, much to his and owners’ dismay, spluttered to a complete standstill in the next five months. Luck had deserted him since as not a single win came by to add to the tally.
Kok said the relocation to a temporary barn while his was refurbished did have a bearing on the overall performance, but by and large, his horses also dropped off.
Odds-on favourite ($9) Speedy Phoenix, a compact US-bred grey by Interactif, was the one to insufflate some life back in the homefires on Friday, charging home on the outside to claim the $35,000 Open Maiden race over 1000m for a win which will help Kok look ahead towards a brighter future from now on.
“Finally we break the ice,” said Kok.
“We had a fantastic start, but things did not continue in the same trend after that. We moved stables but we cannot put all the blame on that.
“We continued to work hard at the stables, the grooms, the track riders, Glen Boss who gives us a big hand at trackwork, and tonight we got the result. I hope our luck has turned.
“This horse has ability but he is still green. On his first run, I gave him a good chance tonight and he didn’t disappoint.
“Salim gave him a great ride. We discussed how to ride him and he followed the instructions to the letter.
“He does all the work on this horse at home and that’s why I kept him on.”
Kok’s Kelantan-born apprentice jockey was aboard the Jason Goh (of Well Done fame)-owned colt at his debut when an eye-catching second to Chopin’s Fantaisie at monstrous odds in a Restricted Maiden race over 1100m, and certainly derived some benefit from that prior knowledge.
“At his first run, he had a soft mouth and from the wide barrier we had to get back. He still ran home very well,” he said.
“Today, I told the boss I didn’t want to go forward even if he drew better (two). I wanted to sit second or third, and we actually got further back in midfield.
“He still throws his head up, but when I asked the question, he responded very well. I’m glad I was able to give the boss a winner after those difficult times without a winner for so long.”
Goh was on hand to share the joy. The garment businessman is known for his tasteful sartorial sense with a touch of colour coordination whenever he can help it.
Bright red was the lucky colour this time around, but he said he would be clad in his “home jersey” on Sunday. Well Done is running in the biggie, the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m).
“I’m keeping my black and white checked shirt for Sunday! But red brought me luck tonight, that’s good,” said Goh.
“I named him Speedy Phoenix as people told me he was quite similar to my other good horse Speedy Dragon. As I have a dragon, I thought I should have a phoenix, too!”
