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Ricvelo brings beginner's luck to new owner

3 minute read

Just a few weeks after durian trader Richard Go realised his dream to own a racehorse through the takeover of Alexander Horatio and renaming him Ricvelo, the new venture bore fruits instantly when his new pride and joy scored at his very first start in his colours on Saturday.

RICVELO winning the OPEN MAIDEN
RICVELO winning the OPEN MAIDEN Picture: Singapore Turf Club

And as a double happiness, Go couldn't have picked a more auspicious occasion than the Chinese New Year to savour his good fortune as a brand new horse owner under his stable moniker Richstad Stable.

Ridden by Louis-Philippe Beuzelin, Ricvelo ($21) was scrubbed up from his wide alley to find the front around the first bend before trading the lead with favourite Malibu Beach (Krisna Thangamani) down the backstraight.

Upon straightening, Malibu Beach was not pulling away like a top pick should, but on the other hand, Ricvelo had saved his best for last as he rallied again along the rails to stride away to a brilliant maiden win by one and a half lengths.

Probably worn out by his tough run in a one-off spot in the lead, Malibu Beach eventually lost second place to Master Sommelier (John Powell) to run third another three parts of a length away. The winning time was 1min 40.07secs for the Polytrack mile.

"Richard Go is a brand new owner. He's very passionate about racing and has been watching racing for a while," said Ong.

"One day, he just called me in the office and said he wanted to own a horse. I didn't know him; I guess I was just the lucky guy he picked.

"As Cliff Brown is leaving and was selling some of his horses, I looked at the ones on the market and I thought Alexander Horatio would be a good buy, and it suited Richard's budget.

"The horse came to us in good order, and a big thank you to Cliff for that. I'm very happy Richard has got a winner with his first horse at his first run."

Ricvelo  also turned out to be a chance ride for Beuzelin after designated rider Oscar Chavez was stood down for a hand injury during the week.

"I left it to Louis to ride the horse. He's done his homework and obviously knew this horse had enough gate speed to go forward even from the wide gate," said Ong.

The French jockey said the Toronado four-year-old was a nice individual who had not slipped under his radar even if he had never jumped on his back before.

"I've followed this horse for a while and I know he's a one-paced horse," said Beuzelin who was returning from a two-day suspension for careless riding.

"He goes strong in front, but when the other horse (Malibu Beach) came up to us, I let him go as I didn't want to get into a speed battle.

"I was able to give him a breather and he responded very well in the straight. He did get tired towards the end, which I expected after the effort he made from the outside barrier.

"I think the 1600m is about his top limit."

Placed twice for Brown, Ricvelo has now seen his stakes earnings hit around the $40,000 mark. If he keeps up the same trend, there is every chance Go will soon be revering more than the king of fruits at home!


Singapore Turf Club

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