Trainer Patrick Shaw was quick to thank his owners and dedicated staff after he hit the win No 800 milestone with Big Brother on Friday night.

The South African conditioner was not aware he was three wins away from the mark when he went to the races, but was extremely pleased when he was given the news by racing officials after Big Brother shed his maiden status in the $38,000 Kranji Stakes D Division 1 race over 1600m.

Shaw built up his mighty night towards the landmark win with Mighty Kenny ($38) in a similar $38,000 Kranji Stakes D race over 1600m, but Division 2 followed by Mighty Emperor ($75) in the $60,000 Class 4 race over 1800m.

“I only found out about this (800th win) just now. It’s a great achievement that I’m very proud of,” said Shaw.

“Thanks to my staff, assistant-trainers Jacci de Tert and Ricardo Le Grange as well as all my syces, and of course my owners, especially Fred Crabbia, Mark Yong, and all the others.

“There are too many to name all of them, they will recognise themselves but to all of them, a big thank you. Without them, I wouldn’t have done it; this is not a one-man show.”

Shaw said the milestone provider Big Brother had been unlucky not to have opened his account earlier.

“Big Brother has been a consistent horse, a bit stiff at his last start with the apprentice (Mohd Firdaus), but he deserved the win tonight,” he said.

“I think the further the better for him. He was off at the back a long way but he ran on very well and I was very happy with that.”

Sent out as the $12 favourite, Big Brother, a four-year-old Argentinian-bred by Orpen, loomed ominously when peeled out by Nooresh Juglall at the 300m to collar Xzuberance (Glen Boss) before clearing out for a most commanding 1 ¾-length win with Flying Winner (Antonio da Silva) third another gap of 4 ¼ lengths away.

The winning time was 1min 39.42secs for the 1600m on the Polytrack.

“I thought Big Brother was one of my better chances tonight, but he had to do it the hard way,” said Juglall.

“He was to me more impressive than the first two winners (Mighty Kenny and Mighty Emperor) who are only average, but somehow won very easily tonight. Big Brother needs a horse as a guide and he got it tonight, he is a tough horse.”

“I’m also grateful to the Thai owners, the Falcon Racing Stable. They have been big supporters of mine and it’s great to continue the great association with another winner.” 

Michael Lee