3 minute read

Silent Is Gold handed apprentice jockey Fahmi Rosman his first career win last year, but he had to wait for another seven months before the same Stephen Gray-trained gelding gave him a second hurrah on Saturday.

Both times, he had the four-year-old son of Star Turn handy in his runs. While it was a clear one-length win in a Class 4 race (1200m) on September 24 last year, Silent Is Gold only had the win in his bag after he survived an objection in the stewards' room this time.

The $9 hot favourite was seen veering out in the $70,000 Debt Collector 2016 Stakes, thereby causing a slight interference to War Pride (Koh Teck Huat) at the 250m and the Jason Ong-trained gelding eventually finished a neck-second.

Ong lodged an objection but it was dismissed by the stewards. 

Old stager Preditor (Mohd Zaki) finished another length away in third. The winning time was 1 min 21.8secs for the Class 3 race over 1400m on the Long Course.

It was a long time between drinks for Fahmi, but the Singaporean apprentice jockey was still grateful for the support given by many trainers, especially Gray's assistant-trainer and ex-Singapore champion jockey Saimee Jumaat.

"I'm very thankful to Mr Gray, Saimee and other trainers like CT (Cheng Tee) Kuah who have supported and helped me along the way," said Fahmi, who is indentured to trainer Daniel Meagher.

"Especially Saimee who has mentored me and other apprentice jockeys from day one. I learned a lot from him and I look up to him.

"I had no rides in March and it was a bit disheartening, but my master (trainer) was nice enough to let me ride for other trainers at trackwork, so I also ride for (trainers) Stephen, CT, Jason Lim and Mahadi (Taib) in the mornings.

"People probably have the wrong impression that I cannot ride light because of my build and the rides I have are normally at 56, 57kgs, but I am actually comfortable with 52(kgs).

"I also have an elder brother who's a personal trainer, so he helps me with my diet and that helps me to maintain my weight."

As for the talented sprinter, Fahmi had nothing but praise for him, albeit he had the tendency of hanging out in the straight.

"Silent Is Gold  is one of their best horses and it's good to have their trust in me," said Fahmi of his 20th ride this year.

"He was a bit keen in the backstraight and he wanted to be left alone.

"He also laid out in the final furlong, but that's in his nature and what happens when horses come up to him. He was still strong to the line.

"I want to thank the stable staff too. This horse is special to me because I've won twice with him now. He's very intelligent and he knows what to do. He's a quality horse, so if everything goes right, he can win a Group race one day."

Gray was happy to put the four-kilo claimer on Silent Is Gold, who is earmarked for the first Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge series, the Group 3 Silver Bowl (1400m) on June 11.

"These kids don't get a lot of opportunity on decent horses and they can't win on horses that can't run, so I'm pleased he won for the owners (Buddy Buddy Stable)," said the New Zealand conditioner.

"He's well-schooled by Daniel and can claim with four kilos, so we gave him the chance. He's (Silent Is Gold) well-handicapped (55kgs) with the claim too.

"We told him (Fahmi) to go forward and try to get a soft lead, but he (Silent Is Gold) got taken on (by War Pride) and travelled quite keen.

"We did look at the (Group 2) EW Barker (Trophy) for him but we felt that he wasn't good enough for that sort of races yet at this stage, and the horse (Super Salute) who beat him at his last start won it.

"He's probably a shade below the best, but he's a lovely horse that always tries hard.

"He can win a Group race for sure but there's limited races for him here. The Silver Bowl will be for him, but we'll look for a lead-up (race) before that.

"He probably won't run in all three Legs because he's more of a sprinter."

The Group 2 Stewards' Cup (1600m) and the Group 1 Singapore Derby (1800m) are the second and third Leg of the Singapore 4YO series, and they will be run on July 2 and July 23 respectively.

With five wins and five placings from 15 starts, Silent Is Gold has now amassed close to $250,000 in prizemoney for connections.