LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT FAIZ

Underrated apprentice grows in confidence after picking up first riding double at Kranji

- Michael Lee

Faiz Khair does fall in with the consensus that jockeys need strong arms to steer 500kg of horseflesh around at 65kmh.

But to the Singaporean secondyear apprentice jockey, his Achilles heel was quite literally in his lower limbs.

Rather tall for a rider, the 29year-old felt his 1.67m height and "curled" back cramped his style and posture in the saddle. As is the worldwide trend, a more crouched seat is believed to make for better aerodynamics.

Faiz, who rode only one winner in 101 rides at his rookie year in 2022, cannot cut his legs off, that he knows.

So, he worked on his quads, hamstring and calf muscles instead - and without hitting the gym.

The much-improved 2023 results of five winners in 134 rides were testament to his hard work and determination. He was rewarded with a first career double from long shot Smart Gambit and Last Samurai on Dec 17.

"I feel I've improved in my riding, I can sit lower in the saddle now.

My legs are stronger," he said.

"I've got a round curled back when I ride. That didn't help, so I had to strengthen my legs to overcome that.

"I didn't work out on my legs at a gym. I rode more horses in trackwork and races, and put in a lot of effort in the legs.