Patel saves best for last aboard Roventas - By Michael Lee
Posted on - 08 Dec 2015
Patel saves best for last aboard Roventas
By Michael Lee in Mauritius
Mauritius continues to be a happy hunting ground for Indian jockeys after Trevor Patel sealed an easy win aboard Roventas at the Attitude International Jockeys’ Day on Sunday.
Last year, Sandesh Akhade got on the scoresheet with Lord Al at the annual jockeys’ challenge on the Indian Ocean island, a winning trend which began since Chandrekant Rajendra won the title way back in 1996 and has since been sporadically kept up with race wins by Kenchanpura Appu in 1998, Suraj Narredu in 2009 and Imran Chisty in 2010.
Patel, on the other hand, was staring down the barrel of a blank day after his first five rides bit the dust, with only one paltry point earned thanks to his fourth aboard Uly in the fourth race, but favourite Roventas’ pulsating turn of footin the Alena Groupe Cup (1600m) saved the day for him and India, as well as India-Mauritius racing ambassador Naresh Gujadhur.
Ridden in midfield behind the pace set by Brave Leader (Olivier Placais), Roventas started to gain momentum from the 600m, and like a hot knife through better, sliced through the field to scoot away to an emphatic 2 ½-length victory.
Patel, who was at his third jockeys’ series (Macau and Qatar before when he did not score), was delighted he had finally annexed a first overseas win to his already impressive resume on the domestic front (six champion titles and six Group 1 wins, among others).
“I watched this horse’s videos quite a lot and I was quite confident about his chances today. He was probably my best chance,” said the 23-year-old.
“He’s a good horse and gave me a very good feeling throughout. Once he hit the front, he did it easily by himself.
“Obviously, I’m very happy I’ve finally won a race in Mauritius as I didn’t get on very good horses at the beginning. They travelled okay but when I went for them, there was nothing left.
“I really enjoyed my stay in Mauritius. I’d like to thank the Mauritius Turf Club for inviting me. They have taken good care of all the jockeys and the organisation was flawless.
“Mauritius is a beautiful country that I had the chance to discover when I came for winning the Rajcoomar Gujadhur Memorial Trophy a few years ago, and winning at least one race today makes this stay even more special.
“I don’t think I’m ready to ride on a contract here, though. I’m still young and for now, I would rather focus on my career in India.
“I take this opportunity to dedicate this win to the recent victims of the floods in Chennai.”
Mr Gujadhur was evidently pleased as punch Patel was able to break the duck at his ultimate ride.
“L’honneur est sauf! (* French for “no loss of face”) Trevor is a very skillful rider and he can only climb to a higher level as he keeps improving,” said Mr Gujadhur.
“We are grateful to the Mauritius Turf Club for the invitation. He first came as a tourist here and now, he’s won a race for one of the best trainers in Mauritius, Ricky Maingard.”
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