Mosse's magic brings out best in Ain't Here
David Hayes often talks about Gerald Mosse's magic touch with horses, and it was perfectly illustrated again in Singapore yesterday morning when the Frenchman guided Ain't Here through a much-improved final gallop for tomorrow's second leg of the World Racing Series.
Just 24 hours earlier, Ain't Here was a sweaty, nervous mess as he worked a slow couple of laps of the Kranji fibresand track. But under the calming influence of the French master, Ain't Here was seemingly a different animal, galloping keenly but kindly in a workout that brought a smile to Hayes' face.
Mosse never allowed Ain't Here to come off the bridle in running 600 metres in 38.3 seconds, the final 200 metres in 12.9 seconds.
'Perhaps he was just very happy to see me,' Mosse mused when asked of the amazing turnaround in Ain't Here's disposition. 'Today, he relaxed nicely and felt good. I told the trainer I was very happy with him.'
Hong Kong may be home to Mosse but the 37-year-old Frenchman is no stranger to the superb S$500 million ($2.3 billion) Kranji racecourse.
Tomorrow will represent the fourth running of the S$3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup (Group One, 2,000 metres) and Mosse has competed in it twice, finishing second on both occasions astride one of his all-time favourite horses, France's popular jetsetter Jim And Tonic.
'He was a great horse and, yes, a real favourite for me,' Mosse said. 'We won all those big races in Hong Kong together, but in Singapore he was a bit unlucky, finishing second both times.
'It would be nice to think this could be third time lucky for me, but it will not be easy.
'Still, you cannot win if you do not compete and I am happy just to be participating here once more. Ain't Here had excuses last start [QEII Cup on April 25] but his third in the Hong Kong Derby was a very good run. He has drawn a good barrier [four] so now I'm hoping for a clear run and that he runs to his best.'
Mosse's season as first rider for Hayes has been a beauty. After winning the final event at Happy Valley on Wednesday with the stable's improved chestnut sprinter Always Welcome, he moved to 57 winners for the season and is currently placed third on the Hong Kong jockeys' premiership.
Mosse is a man who loves what he does for a living. He describes his association with Hayes as 'the best job in Hong Kong' and revels in the respect which Hayes gives his horsemanship and jockey skills.
'David never gives me many instructions, which is how I like it,' he explains. 'He will tell me if there's something particular he wants me to know about a horse, or about the race, but he never ties me down with instructions. He trusts my judgment and never spends time pondering losses. He always moves on quickly - a pleasure to ride for.'
The pair had distinguished careers in their home countries - and separately in Hong Kong - before joining forces some three months into the 2002-03 racing season.
Hong King's frontline Singapore International Cup candidate, Bowman's Crossing, again pleased trainer David Oughton with his final workout at Kranji yesterday. With track rider Martin Tsang on board, Bowman's Crossing followed Ain't Here on the fibresand track and came down 600 metres in 42.2 seconds, the last 200 in 12.3.
