3 minute read
French jockey Louis-Philippe Beuzelin felt his Singapore stint had been one of “ups and downs” thus far, but was delighted he was finally riding on the crest of a wave on Friday night after he brought up a brilliant hat-trick of wins.
After taking up his licence in August, Beuzelin had only two winners from 40 rides to show for up till now, not exactly the kind of score expected by the ambitious rider who began his trade in Barbados, where he was raised, before being taken under the wings of the legendary Sir Michael Stoute at Newmarket.
A two-week suspension for careless riding (ironically on his debut winner Universal Empire at his next race) didn't help his cause in entrenching himself among the ultra-competitive Kranji riding ranks, but the hard-working jockey kept chipping away, with Friday night's big haul at his riding comeback coming in as a well-deserved reward for his perseverance.
Booked for four rides, the 28-year-old made no mistake at his first three, snaring the first two races in quick succession, aboard Jupiter Dragon for Hideyuki Takaoka in the $30,000 Class 5 Division 1 race over 1200m and Celavi for Michael Clements in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1000m.
He sat out Race 3 before coming back at his next ride to keep the hot streak going with Shangani ($27) for James Peters in the $30,000 Class 5 Division 2 race over 1600m.
"It's been ups and downs but I went to Mr Michael Clements from the beginning, and though it took a while to get rides from him, it's been going in the right direction," said Beuzelin.
"I'm working for him every morning. I'm happy there, it's a pleasure to work for such a team.
"In saying this, I'm thankful for the support of other trainers. I'm enjoying my time here, and hopefully, I'm here for the long term.
"Tonight, I was the most confident with Celavi, but the other two are nice winners, too.
"I was only worried how Celavi would react to the lights, but she was all good and professional. She has so much energy, and I just wanted to keep her as relaxed as possible.
"She's a nice filly and I think there'll be big races for her. That's why I just wanted things to go smoothly for her at her debut."
While Jupiter Dragon ($76), a half-brother (x Swing Dance) to the late Hong Kong Derby winner (2017) Rapper Dragon, was at his first win at his 11th time of asking, Celavi ($8) was facing the starter for the first time.
Of the trio of winners, Shangani, a four-year-old by Postponed, was the one who probably owed his win the most to Beuzelin's skills - and shrewd observations. He was breaking his duck at his 20th start.
"I've done my homework on Shangani and also worked him in the morning," said Beuzelin.
"I noticed he was only a small sort who gets easily unbalanced. So, I wanted to give him a lot of room to warm him up.
"I was hoping it would then get his momentum going, and help keep his equilibrium before asking the question.
"We got there at the right time. Two strides more, we would have been beaten.
"I think he'll be better over longer."