After spending the last 16 years riding against some of the best riders from around the world in Singapore, Saifudin Ismail signalled his return to Malaysia with a ‘bang’ – winning his first two rides on Buuraq Sixty-One and Rich N Powerful at Sungai Besi here today.
Whereas Buuraq Sixty-One won rather easily, the 56-year-old was seen at his very best when he got Rich N Powerful home by a nose after battling all the way in the final 200m.
Buuraq Sixty-One won seven races in five seasons in Singapore but has picked up back-to-back victories in just three outings in Malaysia.
After his last start win in Class 4, the eight-year-old started favourite in the combined Class 3 and 4 sprint over 1020m on the No. 2 track.
RS Dream shot to the front on settling down and Saifudin had Buuraq Sixty-One running second on his inside. Kanthaka joined them approaching the 800m to make it three in-a-line.
RS Dream and Buuraq Sixty-One matched strides into the straight with Kanthaka losing ground. Buuraq Sixty-One kicked away from RS Dream at the 250m and went on to win by 2-1/4 lengths from Olympia who snatched second placing from RS Dream.
"Buuraq Sixty-One is a nice horse and I am happy with the back-to-back wins," said trainer NM Selvan, a former jockey himself. "I hope to get a few wins from the horse."
"He jumped slightly slow and I knew I had to go forward. But I was lucky when the horse (RS Dream) on the outside did not push so much so I was able to come inside and settle on the rails," said Saifudin.
"It's good to be back. First ride, first winner, I can't complain."
But the afternoon got even better for Saifudin when he won the next race, the Class 4 – 1020m handicap, on Rich N Powerful, trained by Tan Eng Peow.
Zeus Pegasus led early from Xanthos, Rich N Powerful and Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday then decided to take over the running passing the 800m but he also started to drift out and lost his lead making the turn into the straight.
Xanthos led into the straight just ahead of Zeus Pegasus on his inside and Rich N Powerful moving up swiftly on the outside.
Rich N Powerful ranged alongside Xanthos at the 200m and hit the front momentarily. But Xanthos was not going to give without a fight. He fought back and regained very narrow lead but Rich N Powerful overpowered him in the last few strides to win by a nose.
"It was tough fight," said Saifudin who plans to ride for another year or two before hanging up his boots.
"With 100m to go my horse was half a head in front but he started to go off the bit in the last 20m. But at the line I knew I made it."
Rich N Powerful only started racing at four, winning her debut in New Zealand and was unplaced in three subsequent starts before landing in Malaysia. This was her second win in 12 starts.
