News

Hard wasting pays off for Powell

8th Oct 2011

*Singapore Turf Club - Michael Lee - Friday, October 07, 2011

Heavyweight jockey John Powell saw his hard work to shave off the extra kilos to ride debutant The Hustler at 53kg pay off on Friday night.

The Australian jockey, who seldom rides below 54kg, knew the Hussonet three-year-old had ability after partnering him in his barrier trials and workouts, but knew he was facing a serious battle of the bulge ahead when the horse’s allotted weight came as 53kg in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2&3YO) race over 1000m on Polytrack.

Bent on keeping the ride though, Powell began a strict regimen from Tuesday where his food intake dropped to a bare minimum followed by hours of sweating it out in the sauna. Riding The Hustler half-a-kilo over in the end, Powell was rewarded for his sacrifice with an easy win over another pair of newcomers.

The Tan Hor Khoon-trained Xin Treasure (Leong Yoon Fei) tried hard inside the last 200m but could not reel in The Hustler to settle for second 1 ½ lengths away, with the Alvin Tan-trained Fountain (Jainullah Farook) third another 2 ¾ lengths away. The winning time was 59.91 seconds.

“It was well worth the pain as I knew he was a good sort. I rode him on Tuesday and I told myself then I had to ride him tonight,” said Powell as he weighed back in.

“Anyway, I’ve not been happy with my weight lately and it was time to do something about it. I would’ve been angry if I didn’t make the weight in the end.

“I ate very little from Tuesday and spent two and a half hours in the sauna. It’s been a long day and I’m glad I won.”

Powell said the Auric Stable-owned galloper jumped well and was always in a striking position to the home turn where he was peeled off around fading leader Bold Bid (Danny Beasley) for his winning run.

“He is still very green but he did a good job to score a comfortable win tonight. He can only improve from that run,” said Powell.

“I think he will also get better over more ground. Probably between 1200m to 1400m.”

Baertschiger predicted a bit of a future for The Hustler, whom he bought himself at the Inglis Easter sales last year.

“He’s a half-brother to Lim’s Objective (2007 Raffles Cup - 1800m - winner) and I think he will get a mile later on,” said the Australian conditioner.

“Both his trials were good and I was pretty confident he could win first-up tonight. His work on Monday morning with Hush Hush was very good.

“I think he will be a six to seven furlong horse for now but he should be able to get a mile later.”