Havlin Wins First Star Prize

The Singapore Turf Club reports on another Mark Walker win ...

Scottish jockey Robert Havlin kicked off the Premier Gateway International Jockeys Challenge by bringing home the first winner of the inaugural contest, longshot O'Reilly Star in the first Leg, the $38,000 PGI Jockeys Challenge Asia (1800m) on Tuesday night.

With the win, Havlin chalks up 30 points for himself, and with teammate Fran Berry finishing seventh on Dream Big adding seven points to the tally, Team UK takes the temporary lead on 37 points.

Team South Africa was the squad was fared the best next with all three jockeys coming on board in terms of points. Muzi Yeni and Aldo Domeyer completed the podium finish with Money King in second place (15 points) and longshot Houseboat Harry in third place (12 points) respectively, while their captain Lyle Hewitson looked a threat when Wonderful Paint loomed at the 300m, but peaked on his run to finish sixth for eight points, totaling 35 points, snapping right at the heels of Team UK.

Team Australia is within reasonable distance on 28 points while Team Asia, whose skipper Joao Moreira was sitting on the $17 favourite Kokoni and could only beat one home, racked up the lowest score on 14 points, half of which came from Vlad Duric by default for not riding after Mr Hopkins was scratched.

Havlin was delighted he was the one bestowed with the honour of riding the PGI Jockeys Challenge's inaugural winner, more so when it has taken him and his Team to the top - for now.

“I'm glad I've got that first win out of the way. At least, I've contributed something to the team!” said Havlin.

“(Trainer) Mark (Walker) told me if he broke well not to take him to the back. He jumped so well and we went forward.

“I eased him down through his gears, gave him a blow halfway, and he was very honest late.”

Walker confirmed he had told Havlin to be mindful that the O'Reilly five-year-old ($136) can be tardy at the gates, but to let him roll if he jumps on terms.

“I thought Hugh (on Tuscan Artist) would lead and I told Rab that horse can be sometimes slow out of the gates,” said the Kiwi handler.

“Rab rated him very well in front and he just kept going. I'm delighted for the owners (Te Akau Racing Stable) as that horse had knee surgery, or else he could have been a handy horse."