Olympic Anthem(no 5)
The China Horse Club’s enigmatic sprinter Olympic Anthem has set the career of young Singapore based trainer James Peters off on the right note when returning from a five month break from racing with a devastating win on Friday night. It was the maiden win in the name of the Englishman despite having overseen no less than 14 winners as caretaker trainer for his former mentor Michael Freedman since the start of the season.
Peters has been an integral part of the China Horse Club’s success in Singapore since it began racing in the Asian centre in 2013. During this time he was the assistant trainer as the club’s red and gold colours were ridden to success in events such as the G1 Singapore Gold Cup and in a series of major contests including the G1 Singapore Derby, G1 Singapore Guineas, G1 CECF Singapore Cup and more.
“It’s relief more than anything else as we’ve already had a couple of seconds and thirds before,” the 31-year-old James said post-race.
James Peter(6th from the left)
“I have to admit there was a bit more pressure tonight as it was the first time my name was on the race books, but there was no change to the routine.
“I’m glad I got that first winner out of the way early. The longer it drags on, the more the pressure builds up.
“I’d like to thank the Singapore Turf Club and Michael Freedman for giving me a chance to train horses here at Kranji and the owners who have stuck by me. I’m thankful for the opportunity and the support.”
It was also a reminder of the undoubted abilities of the explosive Olympic Anthem. The five-year-old won on his Singapore debut in 2015 in a similarly eye-catching performance, rocketing home from last in the 1100m contest to set tongues wagging. Two additional wins and a series of placings followed only for the chestnut to require an extended break from racing.
Olympic Anthem was spotting the leaders a conservative eight or nine lengths upon entering the home straight on Friday night but once balanced up unleashed a tremendous sprint to draw up alongside his rivals and then power away over the final 50m to win by a length running away.
“It is great to see Olympic Anthem return to racing a winner and great to see that he has done so for James on the first night that James is listed as a senior trainer in Singapore,” said Michael Wallace, Head of China Horse Club’s Racing and Breeding.
“James has been instrumental with Michael Freedman for many years and I know everyone in the industry will be encouraged by the start he has made in 2016.”
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