3 minute read

In a nail-biting finish to the 2012 season, the Singapore trainer’s premiership title was only settled right in the last race when Laurie Laxon grabbed the honours with Speedy Ahead.

After the penultimate event of the 12-race programme, the now seven-time champion trainer was trailing rival Michael Freedman by one win with none of his previous seven winners having saluted while Freedman had booted home a winning double with Monte Cristo and Cavallo.

Laxon needed a win to draw level on 76 winners and clinch the title as he would be crowned on a countback for seconds – and that is exactly how he delivered in a nerve-wracking finale that had held the Kranji faithful in suspense in the last two weeks.

Ridden by Danny Beasley, who ironically rode Cavallo to victory for Freedman earlier, Speedy Ahead dashed clear for a thumping 3 ¾ length win over Our Friendly Diva (R Hasri) with Not Simple (Tengku Rehaizat) third another nose away.

Freedman’s runner Sacred City (John Powell) who was sent the favourite, had every chance after sitting off the lead from barrier No 1, but could not find an answer when Speedy Ahead swept past to weaken to a disappointing sixth place.

Laxon was delighted he had notched a seventh premiership to his already bulging resume in Singapore since he relocated from his native New Zealand in 2000.

“This seventh title means a lot to me as Singapore, to me, is the best place to race a horse. The money you earn is worth every dollar your spend, it’s fantastic,” he said.

“In my 13 years spent here, I’ve never seen a premiership go so close. Usually, whether it’s the trainers’, jockeys’ or apprentice jockeys’, it is settled before the last meeting.

“It’s been hard work this year as we don’t really have any stars in our stable. We even had seven empty boxes all year.

“It’s only in the last weeks, seeing how it was so close that I decided to give it a go.”

Though disappointed he lost by a whisker, Freedman was still toasting to Laxon’s success at the Champagne Room.

“Laurie is the one who helped me when I first came to Singapore. He taught me the ropes and I’m glad for him he’s won,” said Freedman.

“It was a close contest all the way to the last race. Now, when do you retire Laurie?”

To which Laxon quipped: “I’m only getting warmed up now!”