Trainer Daniel Meagher was pleased he teamed up with good friend Oscar Chavez for a win via Xiong Fong on Sunday.

Together with Danny Beasley and Saifudin Ismail, the Panamanian-born jockey made up the core group of riders who have been an integral part of the young Australian handler since he set up shop in his own right in Singapore last year.

Meagher forged a great friendship with the trio and a few other local riders like Benny Woodworth and Erasmus Aslam when he was assistant-trainer to his father John at Kranji for more than 10 years – and true to his word of reviving the old firm when he was granted his own trainer’s licence, he has put them on his horses the most often, especially Beasley.

 

However, for some reason, Chavez and Meagher have shared only two wins up to now, both recorded last year – and with the same horse, Sugartime Jazz.

Superbly handled by Chavez in the $35,000 Emperor Max 2014 Stakes, an Open Maiden race over 1200m, Xiong Fong (x Sepoy) has popped up to do more justice to their mutual friendship.

“It’s great for Oscar. I’m rapt I was able to revive that old relationship I’ve always enjoyed with him today,” said Meagher.

“I’ve known Oscar for a long time - since my father was here in Singapore (2000 to 2011). He’s a real horseman, he did ride Xiong Fong in trackwork, but he’s a pretty easy horse to ride.

“One person I would also like to thank is my track rider Ari. He rides this horse every day and he is the one who gallops him.”

Meagher said Xiong Feng was no superstar, but after that first maiden success at his sixth start, he should go and win his fair share of races for his owner, the Forty Nine Stable.

“It’s a great result. He showed a little in his previous runs, and seems to go better with blinkers, and handles turf better.

“He’s also better in his action these days. While it was only a maiden race, he has shown a little bit of consistency and deserves that win.

“He’s only a limited horse, though. I will have to place him in the right races from now on.

“But I’m really happy for his owners, who have been with me from Day 1. It’s great to train another winner for them.”

Chavez was chuffed he had been able to supply Meagher with another winner, which probably came more as a relief for himself.

Compared to last year, things have been quieter for the popular hoop this season. Last time this year, Chavez sat higher in the standings on 22 winners, while this year, Xiong Fong was only bringing up his fifth win.

“It’s great to ride a winner again,” he said. “Thanks to Dan and the owner for putting me on this horse.

“I took a sit behind the leader, didn’t force him. I was worried I would get stuck on the rails and that’s why I went around them at the top of the straight.

“He just took off once he saw daylight.”