Comeback jockey Pregasam Dellorto went a long way in erasing the memory of that horror trackwork fall from Bhaskara in 2015 after he rode his first winner since that mishap on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Malaysian rider steered The Golden Goat home for his new boss James Peters in the $35,000 Open Maiden race over 1200m, ending a long dry spell that had been dragging since Hear Me on September 13, 2015.

Previously indentured to Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray, the Kajang native was over the moon at the winner’s circle, and understandably so, as at one time, he was facing an uncertain future even after he recovered from his fractured left collarbone.



Pregasam Dellorto sits atop his comeback winner The Golden Goat (No 2) in Race 6, picture Singapore Turf Club

Dellorto – whose unusual Alfa Romeo carburettor name, was given by his mechanic-father (his three brothers also bear similar names: Solex, Lorto and Weber) – was grateful for the new opportunity he was given by Peters, and now hopes that 15th career winner could be that much-needed fresh start to his topsy-turvy racing career.

“I’d like to thank my trainer James and his assistant Micky (Lockett) as well as the owners of this horse,” said Dellorto who was trained in Perth and booted home his first Kranji winner aboard Ninth Avenue on June 29, 2012.

“This is excellent. I’m very happy as I’ve been working very hard in the last 1 ½ years.

“I know this horse well as I rode him twice and I know he doesn’t like the whip. I also didn’t want to lead and just waited for the straight for a clear run.

“Look he’s no world beater and he didn’t beat much. When he hit the lead, he was changing legs but he did enough to win.”

Sent out as the $15 favourite, The Golden Goat, who was Dellorto’s only ride of the day, settled in fourth position behind leader Six Empire (Oscar Chavez) before opting for the widest path home in the straight. Though he took a while to warm up, once he did, he rallied strongly to post a 1 ¼-length win from Majulah (Barend Vorster) with Six Empire hanging on for third place another short head away. The winning time was 1min 11.95secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.

Peters said Dellorto has been putting in the hard yards ever since he joined his stable and richly deserved that first win under his payroll.

“Dellorto is a hard worker and I hope that first win can only motivate him to keep working hard,” said the English handler.

“This horse has been very consistent and has found two or three better than him. A big thank you to the owner (Waterford Stable) who has been a good supporter of mine.”

The Waterford Stable is better remembered as the owners of Peters’ former top three-year-old Magnum, who was recently sent back to New Zealand to continue his racing career.