“That was for my daughter not My Son,” exclaimed Saimee Jumaat after landing the $95,000 Open Benchmark 97 Stakes over 1200m on Sunday.
Photo by Singapore Turf Club
Saimee recently became a father for the third time and My Son's victory was his first winner since daughter Maddison was born.
Jumping smartly from barrier four, the Patrick Shaw-trained My Son led throughout in scoring by three-and-a-quarter lengths over Mr Timely (Stephen Baster) with Dictator (Jose Verenzuela) a length-and-a-half away third.
My Son's victory was Saimee's first success since Powerpac scored on April 15 while his daughter was born two days later.
“I can't really remember my latest winner,” said Saimee. “But I know this is my first winner since my daughter was born.
“It's a pity it wasn't named 'My Daughter' instead of My Son, but I'm glad to get another winner on the board.
“I am most appreciative of Pat for giving me the opportunity on this horse,” said Saimee.
“Pat said to let him go forward with his light weight and to let him run along.
“He loved the track conditions and when we got into the straight I worked him to the outside to get to the better going.
“All I had to do was to keep him balanced and he did the rest.”
Shaw, who landed a winning double with the victory, went into the race full of confidence after having a good study of the field as My Son was to carry just 51.5kg.
“I thought he had a big chance in the race off that weight,” said Shaw.
“There was no speed in the race and I said to Saimee to let him go forward and lead if it was possible.
“He was able to adopt catch me if you can tactics and it worked out perfectly.
“Saimee has been a top class rider for a long time and he rated this horse perfectly out in front.
“He deserves all the credit.”
My Son, an Australian-bred five-year-old by Hawk Wing from the Sri Pekan mare Pekan Flight, landed his ninth win from 42 starts and with a further eight minor placings edged his way closer to the $500,000 mark in prizemoney for owner Bernard Kantor.
Later in the afternoon Saimee's day got better when he guided Dynasty Knight to victory in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 1400m.
Racing handy to the speed throughout, Dynasty Knight scored by a half-length over John Of Arch (Sam Subien) with Knight's Command (Soo Khoon Beng) a length-and-a-quarter away third.
"Here I was worrying when my last winner was and I've ended up with a double," said a smiling Saimee. "It's certainly good to get the double on the board."
Dynasty Knight is prepared by David Kok and Saimee said it was his plan to make use of the inside draw and to be up in the leading division.
"Most of the winners today have been well drawn and up on the pace," said Saimee. "We decided to make use of his pace and then edge out to the better going once we got into the straight.
"Things worked out really well and the horse did a great job but full credit must go to David Kok who has transformed this horse from a maiden to winning in Class 3 company.
"I must admit I was a little worried about him going up in class, but he's done an excellent job today."
A four-year-old Australian-bred by Antonius Plus from the Humam mare Cloudmist, Dynasty Knight landed his fifth from 23 starts and took his prizemoney to around $185,000 for the Dominion Stable with his success.
