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Trainer Daniel Meagher had a former legend of Singapore-Malaysia racing to thank after First Bowl landed the $50,000 Class 4 Division 2 race (1200m) on Saturday – Azhar Ismail.
Here is a blast from the past! Many would be unaware of the multiple Malaysian champion jockey's whereabouts, but would be pleased to know he now works as a senior track rider for the Group 1-winning Australian handler after his jockey's licence was not renewed at the end of 2020.
The veteran rider could have returned home to carry on riding, but decided to hang up his boots and instead help Meagher, someone he has always got along with.
Besides, his very last win came on Asaad for Meagher on December 19, 2020. Azhar might have hoped for a fairytale ending at his last meeting one week later, but fell short on his three bookings, even finishing third on First Bowl!
The 58-year-old is the one who rides the Battle Paint six-year-old in trackwork now. He might not have been able to crack it for First Bowl's first Kranji win (the former Malaysian-based gelding came as a one-from-one winner in Kuala Lumpur) at that last day at the office, but the experienced horseman sure had a hand in his three Singapore wins this year.
"That horse was not very genuine early, but he's a pretty easy horse to train now," said Meagher.
"All credit to Azhar who rides First Bowl at the back track. He's done a great job on him.
"We've known Azhar for a long time, and when he stopped, we decided to employ him. He's been a tremendous asset to the stable, it's an honour to have a legend on our payroll."
Ridden by Danny Beasley, First Bowl ($17) settled in the first few on the back of Longhu (Mohd Zaki), who tried to utilise his gate speed to secure the lead from his wide alley, but in vain.
Unsurprisingly, Longhu was left without a kick when he can't dictate. Needing no second invitation, First Bowl pounced on him upon straightening before punching home a 1 ¼-length winner from King Arthur (Wong Chin Chuen) with Winning Spirit (Koh Teck Huat) in third place another length away.
The winning time was 1min 10.98secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
"This horse has been consistent in these types of racing. He has done a great job climbing from Class 5 to Class 4," said Meagher.
"Danny also rode him perfectly. I've put blinkers on at his last few runs, and they seem to help."
Originally known as Triple Bowl, First Bowl, who races in Meagher's colours, has now taken his record to four wins, three seconds and six thirds from 26 starts for prizemoney around the $145,000 mark.
The Meagher-Beasley combination later went on to notch a double in the last race, the $50,000 Class 4 race over 1400m, with comeback galloper Saturno Spring ($28).