GREEN Street Bloodstock enjoyed a tremendous and highly significant win with our second runner in Singapore when first-timer Deadline Day ran on powerfully to win a Maiden Plate over 1200m at Kranji on Sunday. The race prize money was $75,000.

Deadline Day, trained by James Peters and ridden by Frenchman Olivier Placais, stormed up from a position just off the pace and won going away in a field of 14 runners. He paid $269 for a win and $57 for a place, surprisingly high although the three-year-old wasn’t fancied to win on his debut.

GSB Director Justin Vermaak, who battled to contain his excitement in the winner’s enclosure, commented: “We were surprised at how he pinged the gates, he got a sterling ride as well. In the straight he was travelling really well and then he went for the inside rail and always looked a winner. We are surprised he won this early as he still has plenty scope and being by Rip Van Winkle he should go further. Olivier (Placais) was very complimentary afterwards.

“I am over the moon, it seems my decision to leave the comforts of home more regularly to try make a go of it here was surprisingly met with some ridicule from some quarters which is quite disappointing but the proof is in the pudding and nothing ventured nothing gained, this is just the start.

“Deadline Day will now have a week off and then we will look at a novice plate for him in about five weeks, he looks like he could pick up a few and go through the divisions, what I am most proud of is being able to deliver for our owners. The horse banked R330 000 for this win on his debut and after only four months of training fees which total about R100 000 and he is only getting started, this really highlights the earning capability in Singapore.

“A special mention must go to our owners that have joined us in the Green Street Stable syndicate in Singapore – they include the owners of this horse Fred Blomkamp, Leslie Logan, Neren Singh, Roger Grant, Wilfried Pirzl, Wayne Gordon and Sharmlin Govender. It was a big leap of faith to take when we hadn’t even had a runner and were completely unproven, yet these guys followed through and are enjoying a great moment, not a lot of owners back home can say they have had a winner abroad or in Asia, these guys can.

“It’s good to get off to such a good start, this horse hit my desk through Gareth Pepper and our trainer James Peters who has a 16% win rate this season, which is excellent by Singapore standards, thanks must go to them for helping me source the horse which we are racing on a deal with New Zealander Mike Kneebone. Gareth has been an exceptional aide while I have spent the bulk of my time in South Africa, his updates and flow of feedback is top class.”

Deadline Day is by Rip Van Winkle from the New Zealand mare Scarlet Runner, the same dam who foaled Singapore’s former juvenile champion, Onceuponatime, nine years ago.
Photos by SG Racing, Singapore.
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