Clutha Lad Salutes

It was yet another Singapore victory on Friday night at Kranji for Te Akau trainer Mark Walker and his team.

Continuing on his fine season, Mark delivered another win for a team of our New Zealand owners, this time with Clutha Lad, taking the trainer's total to 54 wins for the current season.

This son of Thorn Park from Maggie's Farm had showed since arriving in Singapore that his maiden win was only a matter of a short time away.  He had been hugely consistent up to Friday night, recording four seconds, one third and one fourth placing in just eight starts.

Friday was to be his night, aided by a beautiful ride by star jockey Joao Moreira who is about to bid farewell to the Singapore racing scene, having applied for and received a licence to ride in Hong Kong.

Always handy and beautifully balanced as they turned for home - the 4YO showed a great turn of foot to claim victory by half a length. It was a terrific effort when you remember that he was the topweight carrying his full assignment of 59kgs.

Having had just one start in New Zealand, when finishing fourth at Hawkes Bay last December, his owners followed the recommendation by David Ellis to campaign their lad in Singapore.  In his nine starts to date he has now earned close to $60,000.  A great result for a horse purchasd by David from the 2012 Karaka Select Sale for $36,000.

Well done to Terry Stewart, May Maulder, Matt Jamieson, Bruce and Kethana Dunnet and Wayne and Lyn Watts.