3 minute read

Jumpin Jack proved trainer Ricardo Le Grange right after he scored on a quick nine-day back-up on Sunday, even if it meant securing the win in the Stewards’ room.

The Smart Missile three-year-old was racing again after his costly failure in a Kranji Stakes D Division 1 race over 1200m on January 11. He ran last.

Le Grange had reported to the Stewards he had found nothing untoward with Jumpin Jack post-race, adding that the gelding was still fit and he would have another roll of the dice on Sunday, but with an apprentice jockey instead.

The South African handler was of the opinion that Jumpin Jack, who was ridden by senior jockey Nooresh Juglall, his partner at his two previous wins, might not have appreciated the big impost (58kgs).

Le Grange was certainly vindicated after Jumpin Jack fought with great determination under his three-kilo claiming apprentice jockey Krisna Thangamani to repel a stiff challenge from Alaranch (Azhar Ismail).

But he had to put the champagne on ice when Troy See, the rider of the third horse past the line, Looks Good, fired in a protest for alleged interference.

After a hearing of around 10 minutes, the Stewards, however, overruled the objection (where See’s main argument was that he lost his momentum as Jumpin Jack took away his rightful run and had to duck back to the inside), and Le Grange could finally let loose with his father Jack and brother Daniel along with owner Guy Shirtliff at the Champagne Room.

“The three-kilo claim was the right move,” he said.

“At his last start last week, everything went wrong for him. He was crowded and was not comfortable.

“I’m happy to put Krisna on for his three-kilo claim. I want to give the kid more of a chance as he has the ability, he just needs to get the chances.

“It’s also great for Guy and Marsh Shirtliff they got another winner today. They’re wonderful owners.”

A beaming Krisna was certainly happy of his short and fruitful day at the office as Jumpin Jack was his only ride of the day.

“I’m happy I won even if it was after objection. Hopefully, the boss will give me more rides,” said the Malaysian lad.

“I ride this horse in trackwork and he’s pretty straightforward. He’s only three and he will keep improving.”

The inside alley was also a major factor in Jumpin Jack making amends. He was able to take full advantage of a smart getaway by holding his ground against the paint when Alaranch came on his outside to forge to a narrow lead.

Jumpin Jack ($33) did roll off the fence at the top of the straight to attack the line in tandem with Alaranch, but he worked home a touch better than the latter to go and score by a neck with Looks Good third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 0.63sec for the 1000m on the Polytrack.