3 minute read

A two-horse battle up the Kranji straight had to be settled in the Stewards' Room at the conclusion of the $65,000 Novice Stakes over 1200m.

Riezo (Marcus Au) and Chateauneuf Dupape (Joao Moreira) had a bumping duel for the majority of the home-straight after sharing the lead from the outset of the race.

At the finish Riezo held a head margin over Chateauneuf Dupape with Jeram Glory (Olivier Placais) a length back in third place.

On weighing in following the race, Moreira asked to view the head on footage in the straight and quickly lodged an objection.

After hearing evidence from both parties, the Racemeeting Stewards over-ruled the objection.

After a four winner haul last Friday night, trainer Desmond Koh was in the runner-up enclosure twice previously during the day when Man Of Substance and then Chase Me were beaten narrowly in their respective races.

But Koh's luck from Friday night had not deserted him after he held onto the race in the Steward's Room.

“Luck was with me on Friday night and it has been with me again,” exclaimed Koh.

Riezo is a four-year-old Irish-bred gelding who according to Koh has taken time to acclimatize to the conditions in Singapore.

“It's just taken him a long time to settle in here,” said Koh. “His last run was good and hopefully he's turned the corner now.”

Riezo had five starts in the UK for one win before coming to Singapore and from his five starts since arriving has a win and a second placing to his credit.

A four-year-old by Acclamation from the Namid mare Our Juliette, Riezo is raced by Momo Racing.