Andre Luiz Da Silva wins in Malaysian debut

KUALA LUMPUR:  Jul 13, 2024

Andre Luiz Da Silva, three times champion jockey in Brazil who has also ridden successfully in Mauritius and Macau, made a dream start in his maiden visit to Malaysia with a first-up win astride MAGIC PLAYER in the open event at Sungai Besi here today.

Brought in by Cheng Han Yong, the Brazilian repaid the trainer’s faith with a confident ride to score on the RM9 favourite in the Class 5 – 1150m sprint on the No. 2 track.

MAGIC PLAYER was one of the firsts to break but Da Silva allowed a very keen ROCK ME EASY to take the lead.

MAGIC PLAYER tracked the leader into the straight, travelling comfortably in second place. The early effort took a toll on ROCK ME EASY and he began to shorten strides approaching the 250m.

MAGIC PLAYER quickly ranged alongside him, shot to the front and established a clear lead. BANGALORE came with a late burst but MAGIC PLAYER held on well to win by three quarters of a length.

“I’m very excited about the first victory, the first horse I rode won,” said Da Silva. “I really like the track and look forward to riding on the course proper.”

“I just followed the trainer’s instructions to jump and keep the horse handy. In the straight, he changed legs and gave me another burst to go on and win.

“I have been treated well in my first visit and I hope to come back again. I’m very happy to be here.”

Da Silva also won the championship at the People’s Turf Club in Mauritius and has some 830 wins to his name.

“(Current Singapore based jockey) Ruan Maia introduced Da Dilva to me and I’m happy he won on his first ride,” said Cheng. “He carried out my instructions to the letter. I find him a suitable rider for Malaysia.”

Cheng sought the services of Da Silva with the RM100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 3YO Trophy today in mind.

The combination just came up short in the 1400m race with GRAPHJET EXPRESS finishing second to the unbeaten ANTIPODEAN.

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