Trainer Tan Kah Soon said Country Boss was a horse who was well-named as he led the strong-willed galloper in from his second win on Friday night.
The Penang-born handler said the four-year-old son of Guillotine “bosses” most of his staff around, including him, as he has been a real nightmare to his minders at home.
Such naughty horses can put trainers off, but Tan and his boys have never lost their patience they will mend his manners and ultimately unlock his true potential.
Country Boss (Wong Chin Chuen) scoots clear for an easy win on Friday night, picture Singapore Turf Club
Jumping smartly from his wide alley in the $45,000 Class 4 Non Premier race over 1200m, Country Boss ($36) charged into a handy spot behind leader Elena Of Avalor (Mohd Zaki) before going on to despatch his rivals for a most stylish win.
Nova Classic (Simon Kok Wei Hoong) ran second two and three quarter lengths away with Prince Alexander (Koh Teck Huat) third another half-a-length away. The winning time was 1min 11.75secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
Tan was beaming at the winner’s circle, but was also heaving a huge sigh of relief, especially for his track rider Ong, apprentice jockey Wong Chin Chuen and stable supervisor Muhd Nursham for having got the better of the “rascal”.
“He’s a real Guillotine, a real nutcase. A big thanks to Ong and CC who share the trackwork riding duties on him, they have done so well to tame this rascal,” said Tan.
“The rest of us are like mummies to him. Sham always walks him to the track every morning, and has to put up with his nonsense.
“The other riders are scared of him when they see him on the hill track – just ask Michael Rodd!
“But tonight, he was in the right mood. Actually, the wide gate worked out good for him as he can miss the kick at times.
“When he is drawn in, he gets stuck behind and that’s it for him. Tonight he was drawn wide and somehow he jumped on terms and once he was up there, I knew he would be in with a chance.
“I’d also like to thank the owner (Country Boss Stable) for their patience. He’s a difficult horse to train, but it’s good we’ve got two wins out of him so far.”
Besides that second win from 20 starts, Country Boss has also chalked up five seconds and three thirds which have gone a long way in swelling his bank account past the $110,000 mark for connections.
Wong joined his master in giving Country Boss a big thumbs-down in the area between the ears, but also a big thumbs-up in the engine.
“He’s a very difficult horse to ride. He plays up real bad, in the gates too, and that’s why he misses the start sometimes,” said the two-time Singapore champion apprentice jockey.
“A big thanks to the team for the excellent preparation of this horse, especially Sham who saddles him every morning and has to walk him to Track 4, Track 6 or the hill track.
“He was too good tonight. I had him in a handy position and he lengthened up very well in the straight for a nice win.”
