Firdaus raring to go for new master
  Story By Michael Lee     

Thursday, 18 January 2018: Comeback kid Mohd Firdaus is chomping at the bit as he readies himself for his first ride in more than eight months.

Mohd Firdaus proudly dons his new colours (Mark Walker's main supporter Te Akau Stable) at the barrier trials on Tuesday
Mohd Firdaus proudly dons his new colours (Mark Walker's main supporter Te Akau Stable) at the barrier trials on Tuesday


Once regarded as champion apprentice material after he relocated from Malaysia to Singapore in 2014 with glowing credentials, the Johor Bahru lad did fairly well at his first three seasons for his new master Patrick Shaw at Kranji, chalking up 43 winners, even figuring among the leading contenders in the 2016 championship, which was eventually won by Wong Chin Chuen.


But quite unexpectedly, the following season saw Firdaus’ career suddenly fizzle out. Ricardo Le Grange’s apprentice jockey rode only three winners, and opportunities soon dried up.

Firdaus went into a tailspin, eventually walking away from the game to return to Johor Bahru.



But the lure of the racetrack and the pounding hooves did not take long to come a-calling again.



“I was helping my brother out at his workshop in JB, but the mood was not there. I missed riding so much,” said the 28-year-old Malaysian whose last winner came with Satellite Boy for John O’Hara on February 5, 2017.



“I’ve always thought it would be good to ride for Mark Walker as I did ride some winners for him and he does have a big team of horses, but he also has many apprentices. I didn’t think he would take me on board.



“But last July, I approached him and to my surprise, he said he had room for me. He just told me: ‘Make sure you work hard, and I’ll support you’.”



Dint of hard work is exactly what Firdaus has applied himself to since he joined the two-time Singapore champion trainer in August, but he still had to get the nod from the Singapore Turf Club for a fresh licence before the dream comeback could materialise.



That ultimate reward came this week when together with new rookies Syafiq Rosman and Simon Kok Wei Hoong, he was granted a 2 ½ month licence effective from January 15.



“It’s a great feeling to be able to ride again. I have to thank Mr Walker for giving me the job, (assistant-trainers) Mr Gus (Clutterbuck) and Mr Robbie (Hewitson) for their help, and last but not least, the Singapore Turf Club for giving me another chance,” said Firdaus who counts three wins for Walker (Fine Choice, Lady Iffraaj and Kam’s Comet) among his 46 wins at Kranji.



“I am lucky I am a natural lightweight. I have always been able to control my weight, and right now I am around 49.5kgs.



“My fitness is obviously not 100% as I’m still blowing a little, but it’s improving all the time.



“I won’t be riding this weekend, but I think Mr Walker will give me rides next Tuesday.”



When asked if he will give the premiership another shot, Firdaus smiled and said he was just happy to be back in the saddle.



“I just want to focus on getting back to my best. Competition is tough with so many good apprentices like CC Wong and Zawari Razali,” said the winner of 81 races (35 recorded in Malaysia when he was indentured to Malcolm Thwaites).



“I will just have to work hard and we’ll see how it goes.”