Jockey KC Tham (Tham Kin Chong) secured his second Group 1 victory by guiding former Kranji galloper CHEVAL BLANC to victory in last weekend’s Group 1 Penang Gold Cup (2000m) for trainer Frank Maynard.
Not only did Tham dominate proceedings with success in the prestigious event, but he also achieved his first four-timer (his fourth winner via a successful objection).
CHEVAL BLANC was brought into Singapore after participating in all eight starts at two and three in his native Ireland, claiming victory once and securing fourth place in four black-type races. Racing under the name YULONG JAZZ, he made 19 appearances at Kranji, winning twice over 1600m and 1800m in Class 4. However, CHEVAL BLANC concluded his stint in Singapore on a lame note in his final race in November 2022. Subsequently, he was transferred to trainer Frank Maynard’s care last July.
Under his new trainer, the now eight-year-old surprised punters by winning a Class 3 1200m sprint in his Malaysian debut, returning RM210, marking his first race in 12 months. Meeting much stronger opposition in his second outing, he solidified his prowess with another comfortable win.
CHEVAL BLANC’s triumph in the Penang Gold Cup further solidifies Maynard’s position as one of the race’s most successful trainers in the current lineup, boasting an impressive record of four trophy wins.
