Clements clinches premiership
Michael Clements has secured his first Singapore trainers’ premiership, taking an unassailable lead with a win by McGregor (Magic Albert) at Kranji on Saturday.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Clements has been based in Singapore since 1998. He has secured the 2020 title with 58 winners, 13 ahead of runner-up Mark Walker.
“Obviously, we all dream of that one day, but it’s only in the last five years that I’ve had a good flux of winners, and a bunch of much classier horses as well,” Clements said.
“I’d like to thank a good, strong team behind that success, both staff and owners. I couldn’t have done it without great staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“Thanks to that solid support, the stable has progressed from strength to strength, and today we get the reward for all the hard work.”
Singapore stakes win for Freedman
Australian Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman collected big-race spoils in Singapore on Saturday with a front-running win by Super Dynasty (Fastnet Rock) in the G3 Colonial Chief S.
A half-brother to South African Group 1 winner Rumya (NZ) (Red Ransom {USA}) and Australian Group 1 placegetter Badawiya (Al Maher), Super Dynasty dominated the race from the front in the hands of jockey Ruan Maia.
“No wonder he rides so many winners – he won the race for us,” Freedman said. “He rated this race beautifully. It was his idea to let the horse roll and roll, and make it a staying test, it was a brilliant ride.
“This horse ran great in the same race last year, but he’s going much better this year. He had no luck at all at his last run when he was caught wide, but he had things his way today. Christmas has come early!”
Leading Kiwi jockey steps away from racing
Two-time New Zealand premiership winner Matthew Cameron has brought an end to his riding career.
The 34-year-old signed off with a win aboard Initiative (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) at Awapuni on Saturday.
New Zealand’s champion jockey in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons, Cameron rode 1408 winners including 94 at Group or Listed level.
Matthew Cameron
“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years now, and my motivation is not what it should be to do justice to my riding and for the people who support me,” he told NZ Racing.
“I still love racing, but I’m really looking forward to getting away from it to clear my mind. The thing I’m most excited about is not getting up to go to trackwork and being able to eat what I like on Christmas Day without worrying about my weight for Ellerslie the next day.
“I’ll pig out, not worry about alarms and catch up properly with family for the first time in 14 or 15 years.
“I’d never say never to returning to riding but right now I’m not contemplating that at all.”
Miletus impresses at Sale
A 7l maiden victory at Sale on Sunday may have put Miletus (Olympic Glory {Ire}) on course for bigger and better things.
A last-start placegetter over 1800 metres, the gelding stepped up to 2200 metres on Sunday for the fourth start of his career. Ridden by Jordan Childs, he outclassed his opposition in the Ritchies IGA Maiden Plate.
“He looks like a proper stayer, doesn't he?” trainer Jamie Edwards said. “11 furlongs for a 3-year-old having his fourth start in a race is hard to do. To come here today and to be that dominant, it’s great.
“I don't know what we do now, but it might be worthwhile to look at the South Australian Derby, or even the Tassie Derby in a month might be his go.”
Jockey charged with betting offence
Leading Northern Territory jockey Terry Treichel has been charged with a serious betting-related offence.
Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory said in a statement that authorities had taken evidence and reviewed the betting statements from multiple corporate bookmakers before issuing the charge against Treichel on Friday. He was stood down from riding at Darwin on Saturday and Alice Springs on Sunday.
Treichel finished second on the Northern Territory jockeys’ premiership last season and has ridden 12 winners so far this season.
Elephant remains unbeaten
Elephant (NZ) (Shocking) kept his unbeaten record intact on Saturday at Te Rapa, and his talent is now starting to get as much attention as his quirky name.
The 4-year-old recorded his third win from as many starts with another impressive performance in the Lodge Property Management H.
A half-brother to the multiple stakes winner Melt (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), Elephant is nominated for the G1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham in late January.
Elephant (NZ) | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“It was a real test for him at just his third start and he was still a little green around the corners, but Opie (Bosson, jockey) handled him really well,” co-trainer Emma-Lee Browne said.
“Halfway up the straight I was thinking whether he was going to hit top gear, but he closed off strongly which was so good to see.
“Opie was very happy with him and very complimentary, which gives us plenty of confidence going forward.
“There’s a nice race for him at Ellerslie over 1500 metres on January 10, so he can go there and then we can assess after that.
“He does hold a nomination for the Thorndon Mile. It’s kind of hard not to consider it when they are going so well, but we will play it by ear as he is still on a steep learning curve.”
