Big purse for Bosson's derby victory

16th July 2010

A former Western Heights jockey has claimed one of the richest horse-racing prizes after racing to victory in the S$1.15 million ($1.16 million) Singapore Derby.

Opie Bosson, who is also the New Zealand jockeys premiership leader, finished ahead of the pack on the Bruce Marsh-trained galloper Race Ahead.

He was riding in Singapore on a five-day licence, and Race Ahead was his third winner since he started riding at Kranji Racecourse on Friday.

Race Ahead is by the ill-fated sire Al Akbar and is from the Spectacular Love mare Mertie Love.

Bosson had Race Ahead handy throughout and took a commanding lead at the top of the straight before holding on to defy New Rose Wood to win the Singapore group one feature.

"He was cruising throughout," Bosson told the Singapore Jockey Club website.

"I did think I might have got to the front just a bit too soon, but I was there when the leaders dropped off a bit too quick.

"Bruce told me that he would be strong all the way to the finish."

Former Central Districts trainer Marsh won the derby five years ago with another outsider in Hullo and Goodbye.

"The blinkers today switched him on and he was able to take a position without having to be revved up." Marsh said.

It was the third win for Bosson on Marsh-trained horses on his visit, with Perfect Performer successful on Friday and Magic Leg on Sunday.

Bosson became the 22nd jockey to ride 1000 winners when he rode three horses to victory at Matamata in May.