Munger toasts to first Kranji win
Munger toasts to first Kranji win
After a first week finding his way around, South African jockey Ryan Munger hit the target for the first time in Singapore with a win on board Pindus (Exceed And Excel) in the $50,000 Class 4 (Div 2) race over 1000 metres last night.
The Durban-born 24-year-old began his local stint last weekend, failing to get a winner from his 17 rides, although he did come quite close with two minor placings and a further seven fourths.
Unfortunately, the promising start was spoiled by a three-day careless riding suspension he will serve after tomorrow’s meeting, but at least the 600-odd race winner won’t have to wait it out before getting the monkey off his back.
The conditions for an ice-breaker didn’t actually look all that auspicious with Pindus posted out wide from his awkward draw, but the jockey had the Ricardo Le Grange-trained four-year-old travelling on the bridle throughout, before moving him up for an effort at the top of the straight.
Taking the widest path to the line, Pindus finished right over the top of his rivals to defeat favourite Man Of Mystery (All Too Hard) by a neck. Sun Step (Fighting Sun) ran third, another half-length away.
The winning time was 59.96 seconds for the 1000 metres on the Polytrack.
With wife Kelsey on hand to lead him in, a delighted Munger could barely contain his joy in the winner’s circle.
“The last few days, I’ve run in the money at a strike rate of around 50 per cent. I was wondering when one of them would break the ice for me,” said Munger.
“This horse had good form and was in a good place. I actually made him one of my better chances to get my first win, but he was also jumping from a tricky barrier.
“When he saw daylight at the top of the straight, he attacked the line very well. He dug down deep and won a nice race.
“Big thanks to Ricardo, I work for him in the morning and he helps me out a lot. We work as a team, and the good results are showing.
“Singapore is a different set-up from back home, but it’s all very efficient and clean. I’m in a very good space now.”
Le Grange was glad he could finally share the spoils with a jockey he had been longing to have on the team. The South African-born trainer had pledged support to Munger from the day he was granted a one-year licence in November, but the work permit took an unusually long time to get approved – almost two months.
“I can say a lot about this kid. He has a great work ethic and he ticks all the boxes,” said Le Grange.
“I’m glad he won tonight. He was never affiliated to a big stable in South Africa, didn’t have a chance to ride top horses, but that win will give him confidence, and I’m sure all the guys will grab him now.
“As for Pindus, he was a bit of a conundrum when he came. People kept bagging him for being a non-trier, but I think we got into his head, and he scored another good win tonight. I’m really happy for the team.”
Despite the early stigma surrounding Pindus, the four-year-old has now silenced his critics with three wins and two placings from seven starts for prize-money that has hit around the $80,000 mark for owner Paolo De Villa Mendoza.