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Success begets success and in Singaporean jockey Koh Teck Huat’s case, also a licence to ride until the end of the year.
Among the local senior riders due for renewal, the 33-year-old Yishun lad was the only local senior rider to get the nod until December 31 on Monday. Mohd Zaki (one win) and Anandan Subramaniam (zero win) were extended until June 30 only.
But not too long ago, Koh, who still claims one kilo, thought his riding career was in the doldrums and was staring down the barrel of a bleak future. The former Laurie Laxon apprentice jockey has actually not done too badly clocking 80 winners in an eight-year career, but the last two seasons have seen his visits to the winner’s stall nosedive.
Last year, he booted home only four winners. Support was had to come by if not for trainers Tan Hor Khoon and Desmond Koh throwing him a bone here and there.
Koh knew he had to buck up and his patience was finally rewarded this year.. In January alone, he rode three winners, including a rare double on January 15 – One O Nine and his pet horse Knight Spirit – meaning he needs just one more winner to match last year’s score, which took one year to reach in 2016.
The higher strike rate has not gone unnoticed and Koh finally got the ringing endorsement he had been longing for – ride for one full year without having to worry about tomorrow. He can breathe better now that he has a better sense of security, but is well aware that he still needs to work hard.
“I’d like to thank the Singapore Turf Club and the Stipendiary Stewards for extending my licence until the end of the year. It’s a recognition of my ability and hard work, and I really appreciate it,” said Koh.
“Last year was tough as I couldn’t get much support. Here I have to thank the owners and trainers, especially Ah Khoon, who have stayed behind me even if they also use other jockeys, which I totally understand.
“It was a big relief when I rode three winners so early in the year. I guess that has helped me get a longer licence compared to previous years.
“But competition is still very tough, and I’m sure it will still be a challenge to get my share of winners throughout the year.”
Koh is now hoping to celebrate his relicensing with at least one winner this weekend but conceded it might be easier said than done.
“I’ve got five rides this week, including a new horse Yaya Papaya,” said Koh who could not help smile at the very local name (means big boaster) of Leslie Khoo’s debuting two-year-old by Nadeem.
“My ‘bicycle’ Knight Spirit is running this Sunday. He won his last race but he’s carrying a lot of weight this time (58kgs), he’s not very big and he may find it tougher this time.
“On Friday, Ocean Master is improving but it’s a tough field while the others (Ron on Friday and Top Note on Sunday) face a big task.
“But you never know in racing. If I don’t win this weekend, I can only live to fight another day.”