KUALA LUMPUR:  Apr 14, 2024

BERRY BLISS scored a comeback win in the Platinum Horse Club Trophy at Sungai Besi here today to signal the entry of a new trainer to the Malaysian scene.

Joseph Leck, 32, who was granted his A licence just last week, saddled his first winner on his debut day with a horse he has just taken over from his uncle Charles Leck.

On hand to pilot the horse home was his cousin Clyde (Charles’ son) who steered the five-year-old to an all-the-way win in the Metro A set-weight event over 1600m.

It was a triumphant reunion for horse and jockey as Clyde had ridden the son of Charm Spirit in all his previous nine wins in the last two years.

The pair finished second to PASIR PINJI in the Selangor Gold Cup (1600m) last September and since then BERRY BLISS has had three disappointing runs.

BERRY BLISS resumed after a four-month break and beat just one home over 1400m two weeks ago but his old zest was back today today.

The five-year-old went straight to the front on settling down and he coasted home by two and three-quarter lengths ahead of KING’S COMMAND. Third was PASIR PINJI.

“Very happy with his win,” said Clyde.

“I rode the horse in trackwork earlier in the week and I knew he was well and stood a good chance to win. He ran better than I expected and this run should prep him well for the next race.

“I am also delighted riding a first winner for my cousin Joseph and there will be many more to come from our partnership.”

BERRY BLISS arrived unraced in Malaysia and has won 10 times in 22 starts.

“I am delighted to have my first winner on my first day as a trainer,” said Joseph.

“All thanks to owner Richard Tea for this to happen. The joy is indescribable. It was all the more satisfying as it was my cousin Clyde who rode the horse.

I would like to thank the Selangor Turf Club, its chairman Tan Sri Richard Cham, CEO Dato Michael Fong for giving me the opportunity to train in Kuala Lumpur.

“I would like also to thank my parents who have been supportive of me in my career path. Most of all, I would like to express my upmost gratitude to my uncle and my mentor Charles who brought me into the game and taught me everything I know.”

Joseph started as a syce with his uncle in 2009 and also worked with David Kok for many years before he became a track rider, stable supervisor and obtained his B trainer’s licence in 2021 while working under Kok.

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