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SCMP Reporter

Classy Robbie Fradd feels a weighty debt was finally payed at Sha Tin yesterday when Winning Dragon cleared out with his 19-1 victory in the Japan Racing Association Trophy (Race Nine).

Winning Dragon was the horse Fradd rode at Happy Valley back in 2002, a ride which ended up being the subject of a protracted, controversial and absolutely misguided Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry.

Although Fradd [pictured] was inevitably cleared and was welcomed back to the fold with open arms by Jockey Club hierarchy and fellow professionals alike, the pressure of those dark days still irks the outstanding South African horseman.

'After all I went through, he [Winning Dragon] owed me that one,' Fradd quipped. 'These colours have been so lucky for me, and I'm very grateful to Mr Lo [owner Lo Ying-bin] for his support.

'All those wins on Electronic Unicorn and now, today, this horse has got me off the mark for the season.'

Fradd is a model of steady temperament and concentration. Although he had not landed a winner at the first four meetings of the season, he wasn't about to hit the panic button.

'A few of the boys who haven't ridden winners after five meetings are starting to get a bit worried, but you can't afford to be like that,' Fradd counselled.

'You've got to go out there and ride them just the same, be confident in your own ability.'

Fradd admits to being 'blown away' by the genius of John Size, and was gobsmacked at the enormity of the Australian's training performance in securing a first-up win from Winning Dragon.

'I know he had two trials, but they were such easy trials,' Fradd said.

'Yet, he's produced him so fit to win today. I've said it many times before, but John is just a freak trainer. What he does with horses, it's quite incredible.'



Outstanding Fradd has the last laugh after triumphing with Winning Dragon