It marked a moment of firsts for both the jockey and the horse, as Singapore-based French jockey Marc Lerner clinched victory aboard TRUMPY, a former Kranji-trained galloper, in its debut race in Malaysia over the weekend.
TRUMPY, an eight-year-old who hadn’t tasted victory since mid-October 2021 under the guidance of the now-retired Michael Clements, was acquired by Buffalo Stable and transferred across the causeway to trainer Lawson Moy. Lerner secured the coveted ride and duly saluted.
“I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur as a tourist, but never to ride. I’ve never really thought about it until a couple of weeks ago,” Lerner said in an article published by Michael Lee for the New Paper.
“Daniel Meagher got everything organised for me. Back home, he trains for Uncle Soon (Tan Cheong Soon) who had a runner in Kuala Lumpur, Watch Out Boss.
“Uncle Soon has always been a good owner to me. Besides, my Saturday winner Always Together is his, I just couldn’t say no to his invitation.
“I then picked up other rides, including three for Peter Lee (Buffalo Stable) who has horses with Tim Fitzsimmons.
“Peter just bought Trumpy from Tim’s owner and decided to send him to Malaysia to be trained by Lawson Moy in Kuala Lumpur.
“I would say Trumpy and Watch Out Boss were the two main reasons why I thought it was worth checking out Malaysia for the first time.”
“I’ve never ridden Trumpy in Singapore, but I know he had good form there,” said Lerner who flew out of Singapore with his wife Mathilde after the Kranji races on Feb 17.
“The 1,400m race was a bit short for him, but he was in good form, even for a first Malaysian start.
“He settled at the rear and was relaxed throughout. In the straight, the favourite Cheval Blanc was well clear but hanging out badly.
“It looked like my horse was taking advantage of that, but actually, he was also starting to gather momentum.
“The more the winning post came up, the stronger he was running on. He’s a real stayer and could have gone another lap after the post.
“I’d like to go back to ride him again. He’ll win more races up there.”
