Champion Australian jockey Hugh Bowman was at his best riding in Kranji on Sunday steering the red hot favourite Golden Monkey to a popular victory in the $400,000 Singapore Derby SngG1 (1800m).
Trained by Timothy Fitzsimmons, Golden Monkey settled last and flew home with a powerful finish to overhaul the Kiwi bred Tavistock gelding Cavalry, who raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand as Tutukaka winning the Listed Geelong Classic in 2021.
Golden Monkey scored by the best part of a length and has the overall record of six wins and nine placings from 18 starts.
“It’s been twelve months in the making for this race,” said Tim Fitzsimmons.
“Nothing is by chance. Everything is planned and plotted, as well as the amazing ride. Everything came off.
“I want to thank all my staff. These horses are not easy. (Track rider) Kali (Kalimutha Ganesen) who rides him (Golden Monkey) every day, (assistant-trainer) JN (Jayabalan Naidu) and Chris (Bock), who came back to help me over the last twelve months. It’s a massive team effort.
“We had a rough start but this is an amazing feeling. I love this place (Singapore racecourse) but it’s a real shame (to) what’s happening here. Look at the crowd here today.
“Thanks to (bloodstock agent) Josh McLoughlan who found the horse. He’s brought so many new owners to my stable.
“This was the last thing left. We won the premiership (2022 Singapore champion trainer), the Group 3s and Group 2s, and now to top it off with my first Group 1 in the Derby, it’s amazing.
“I want to thank my mum and dad who are at home (in Australia). I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Bred by Howard Blight of Bendaree Stud, Golden Monkey was a $54,000 Inglis Classic purchase from the Byerley Stud draft and was passed in when re-offered at the Inglis Ready 2Race Sale.
He is the best of two winners from Dixie’s Comet, a half-sister by Northern Meteor to stakes-placed Hong Kong performer Flagship Shine.
Dixie’s Comet had a colt by Castelvecchio last spring and is was then covered by Dundeel.
Golden Monkey is one of seven stakes-winners for Star Turn, who stands at Vinery Stud this spring at a fee of $27,500. Star Turn has sired the winners of over $5.2million in Australia this season.
