3 minute read
Friday’s race debut of a new jockey from across the border has been largely overshadowed by all the buzz about the return of Singapore’s racing hero Joao Moreira.
However, Mohd Firdaus Mansor (better known as MM) does not mind slipping under the radar, as to him, getting that first ride at Kranji is already a dream come true.
Newly recruited by trainer Patrick Shaw, Firdaus (not to be confused with another Muhd Firdaus who was indentured to John Meagher a few years ago and has since quit the game) will ride two horses for his new master this Friday, Gold Line and Domenico, and is booked for another ride for the South African on Sunday, Let It Rock.
Formerly apprenticed to Kuala Lumpur and ex-Kranji trainer Malcolm Thwaites, the 25-year-old rider is regarded up North as one of their rising talents.
Last year, at only his second year of riding, Firdaus finished second on the Malaysian apprentice jockey’s log on 19 wins, second to Rueven Ravindra (26 wins) who, incidentally, also relocated to Kranji earlier this year and is now attached to the powerful Laurie Laxon yard.
Firdaus was again on fire this season, scooping up wins by the spades, to the point he was second (eighth on the overall premiership) on the rookie’s log on 13 wins, only one shy of Tham Kin Chong. But push came to shove with his master’s stable downsizing; it was time to head South.
There was also a pull factor. Hailing from next-door Johor Bahru (JB), Firdaus has been casting longing glances from across the Causeway for some time.
“It’s always been my dream to ride in Singapore one day. I was doing well in Malaysia, but my boss does not have many horses anymore – only around 14 left,” he said.
“He himself told me it was time to move elsewhere to further my career. He suggested Singapore and after he recommended me to Mr Shaw, I was given the job.
“I was so happy as I know it’s a rare chance to ride in Singapore. I always hoped I’d ride here one day, but I really didn’t expect it to be so soon.
“All the best horses and jockeys are here and the facilities are great. It’s also an honour to have my first ride on the day Moreira is back.”
The 35-race winning three-kilo claimer is obviously a little starry-eyed with not just the Brazilian wizard they call Magic, but also with the likes of Manoel Nunes, Alan Munro, Corey Brown to name a few, being now his new jockey’s roommates, but his role model still remains Malaysia’s current premiership leader, the other Brazilian he knows better, Jose de Souza.
“I know Moreira is very good, but to me, Jose is the one I look up to. He is a very good jockey and he’s like a teacher to me, he is always helping me with my riding,” said Firdaus who goes to scale at 46kgs.
“Hopefully, I can continue learning when I ride against the other jockeys here. It’s been a lot of hard work riding trackwork and in barrier trials for Mr Shaw, but it’s all been a very good experience.”
One thing the young man is not worried about is homesickness.
“The other good thing about riding in Singapore is I get to stay with my family in JB. It's just next door,” he said with a smile.