Former Singapore Gold Cup winner Big Hearted turned back the clock with a gutsy win that lived up to his name in the $85,000 Class 2 race (1,600m) on Jan 20.
The Hallowed Crown sevenyear-old was making his return to the winner's circle in nearly three years as well as a first visit there under James Peters' care.
The proven stayer rang up the last of his previous seven wins in a Kranji Stakes B race (1,400m) on April 10, 2021 when prepared by Michael Clements.
After the 2020 Singapore champion trainer's exit in September 2023, major Thai owner Falcon Racing Stable dispersed most of their stock to trainers Daniel Meagher, Jason Ong and Stephen Gray.
But they singled out Peters - a trainer they had no association with before for just the one: Big Hearted.
Needless to say, the Briton could not wipe off his broad smile as Big Hearted returned to scales under first-time partner Vitor Espindola.
When a leading outfit sends a trainer only one horse, pressure comes with the territory.
When that horse is a Group1winner plagued with soundness woes, Peters knew he had to double down on his efforts to live up to their trust.
Denne historien er fra January 23, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra January 23, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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