Unsighted since his barrier mishap on January 19, English jockey Alan Munro makes his Kranji riding comeback this weekend.
Munro was hurt when his mount Carnelian sat back in his gate, twisting his rider’s left foot in the process.
The next day, X-rays revealed a fracture to his left ankle. One week later (January 27), he underwent surgery at Gleneagles Hospital to have screws inserted in the affected area.
Alan Munro and Jupiter Gold will link up in the Group 3 Fortune Bowl on February 17, picture Singapore Turf Club
Showing a great recovery rate, Munro, who turns 51 next Wednesday, was able to walk, albeit a little gingerly, within a few days and was back riding trackwork on Wednesday morning.
“I was actually walking okay after Barry, a faith healer, treated the foot shortly after the fall,” said Munro, a black belt in karate, who no doubt knows how to handle pain.
“But the doctors said I should have it pinned. I feel fine now and have taken nine rides this weekend – four on Friday and five on Sunday.
“It’s good to be back.”
His books of rides are Hangman, Sorbeta, Webster and Tou Shou Bright on Friday, and Rocket Fighter, Host The Nation, Balkan Challenger, Melting Point and Bao Shan Magic on Sunday.
Munro, who finished sixth on 45 winners in the Singapore jockey’s premiership last year, will no doubt be looking forward to improving his current score of two winners – River Golden and Golazo, both recorded on January 14.
Fans will be delighted to see the talented jockey back in action, but none more than Japanese trainer Hideyuki Takaoka. It was touch-and-go whether Munro would be able to recover in time for the ride on his star galloper Jupiter Gold in the Group 3 Fortune Bowl (1400m) on February 17.
“I’m very happy Alan has recovered and can ride Jupiter Gold as he knows him the best (won at four of his six wins). He will ride him in a gallop tomorrow,” said Takaoka.
“The horse is still not showing much in his trials, but he is definitely getting fitter. Let’s hope he will give his best in the Fortune Bowl.”
The Congrats four-year-old will be at his first race since his unplaced run in the Group 1 Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) on November 12. He had a gelding operation during the break, which Takaoka theorises is the main cause for his drop in condition.
Jupiter Gold has had two barrier trials leading up to his racing comeback. Munro was aboard at the first one which was on January 18, when a 1 ½-length fourth to Wimbledon, one day before his barrier mishap while it was Ryan Curatolo who warmed the saddle at the second trial last Thursday, running fourth again, to Gran Torino, but even further back (4.6 lengths).
