Kuala Lumpur : Mar 11, 2025

Former Kranji jockey John Sundradas never thought he would enjoy the sweet taste of riding a winner again, let alone throw his leg over a horse.

But, on March 9, the 45-year-old did just that with Eternal Romance ($25) in the RM38,000 (S$11,400) Open Maiden (1,200m) at Sungai Besi.

The Kuala Lumpur-born naturalised Singaporean had not ridden in a race since May 21, 2022 when he was banned one year for his handling of Salamence.

The father of two daughters did try to re-apply for a licence after he served his sentence, but was knocked back.

Down-hearted, he had to end his riding career, and started an air-conditioning and car workshop business with friends.

But in an ironic twist of fate, Singapore racing’s demise in October 2024 threw him a lifeline.

“I’ve left KL for 30 years, but my mum still lives there, and I thought why not go back there?”

Once he got the nod for a licence from the Selangor Turf Club, the former two-time Singapore champion apprentice jockey (2002 and 2003) applied himself to the comeback.

“I started jogging, cut back on beers and food. Riding work from January also helped me drop from 62kg to 55kg,” he said.

“On my first day, I took only one ride and got a second (on Red Maned) which was nice and frustrating at the same time.

“Eternal Romance was one of three good chances at my second day. Richard told me he should improve down in class and with blinkers on.

“V’Invincible ran second, Vgor ran nowhere, but Eternal Romance won a very nice race.”

Source : Michael Lee