Monday, 11 June 2012: Talented Irish jockey Wayne Smith finally got his current stint in Macau off the mark with a winning double on Sunday's turf card at Taipa.
Smith was last year's champion jockey in Dubai but had a frustrating time prior to Sunday to be without a winner in Macau after 72 mounts.
Ironically it was an Irish import that broke the ice for Smith when Luck Of The Dragon saluted in the 2 & 3 Year Old Handicap over 1100 metres after getting the run of the race.
Prepared by Alan Tam Luck Of The Dragon is by the G1 winning sprinter Amadeus Wolf.
The three year old grey was sent out one of the favorites on debut on the all weather on the strength of his trial and good work prior, but was beaten 12 lengths in running fifth and punters for the most part neglected the gelding on Sunday.
Problem plagued galloper Goldson made light of his ailments to score a last stride nose victory in the Class 1 & 2 over 1500 metres to give Wayne Smith his double for the day.
In a deceiving finish Goldson stretched late to win by a nose from Giant Steps (Manoel Nunes), with Easy
Choice (William Lei) in third.
In was number seven for Goldson who was emerging as one of the best Class 1 gallopers in Macau until succumbing to leg problems.
“He's had two operations in the last 12 months to remove chips from his joints.” trainer Peter Leyshan said.
“I just restrict his training to the back ring and some faster work on the treadmill.
“Today was as fit as he has been in a long while; it was his fourth run since September and he had pulled up well in his previous runs.”
Leyshan paid tribute to the MJC vet staff and also his wife Michele who is the assistant trainer to the stable.
“The staff at the Vet Hospital have done a fabulous job with him, and also Michele who is very good with joint problems. There would not be many better," he said.
* FILIPINO jockey Breinell Yamzon made a welcome return to the winner's circle when the Craig Marshall trained Dreamer rocketed home to win the last of the night on Friday in the Class 5 & 6 over 1350 metres on the sand.
One the hardest working jockeys at the track of a morning, Yamzon had been out of the winners list since March 31 when he scored on Old Friend on the turf also for Marshall who was full of praise for the jockey after the win.
“He rides as good as anyone and I have been one of his biggest supporters from day one.” Marshall said.
Dreamer was first up since January and looked a treat in the yard but was neglected by punters to jump at 38/1.
“He had ran some nice races for me at the old 1300 metres distance without a lot of luck.”
“He is a back marker and has a big finish and coming in fresh tonight I was quietly confident.” Marshall said.
“Also a big plus for a horse like him is the extension of the 1300 metre start to a 1350 metre trip. It's a huge help for a back marker and it's been a great step by the Club.”
Recent weeks have been kinder to Marshall with a treble a fortnight back and after Friday night he is now on 12 winners for the season.
MACAU: Stewart Off The Mark
