KUALA LUMPUR:  Aug 28, 2022

Rested after running second to runaway winner AWESOME STORM in the Tunku Gold Cup four months ago, XENA made a triumphant return to racing by winning the Malaysia National Day Trophy at Sungei Besi here today. 

Despite her absence on the racetrack, punters still sent her out favourite in the Metro A event over 1200m, ahead of VIOLET (who finished third in the Cup) in the betting. There were spot on.

Ruzaini Supien, who had scored four times on the mare previously including a hattrick last year, parked the New Zealand six-year-old right behind the pace set by TOPMOST on settling down.

VIOLET, who kept company with the leader most of the way, took a slight lead after the 400m with XENA poised to strike behind him but struggling to get into top gear at this stage.

XENA eventually got going and surged in front inside the final 200m. Just then GINGERELLA loomed large on her outside. XENA, however, did best in the closing stages to win by 1 3/4 lengths. VIOLET and GINGERELLA deadheated for second placing.

It’s the seventh win in 23 starts for the New Zealand mare who landed unraced in Malaysia.

“XENA has always done well whenever I ride her in the races,” said Ruzaini. “She is very genuine and improves every time I ride her. She is a Cup material.”

“She is a very honest horse and I am a huge fan of her sire Proisir,” said trainer Cheng Han Yong. “I am grateful to the owners who have supported me for the past five years.”

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