Champion sprinter Rocket Man has been recognised as the best Australian bred galloper in Singapore.
The connections of the star Viscount gelding were on hand to receive the award at a cocktail reception in Singapore tonight.
He was a popular winner of the Aushorse Marketing Australian-bred Singapore Champion Award – one of two presented on the night.
A winner of 10 of his 13 starts, Rocket Man was bred by Dean Fleming and sold through the draft of Tyreel Stud at the 2007 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale for $60,000.
The Pat Shaw trained gelding was recognised as the World Turf Champion 3YO Sprinter last year when he campaigned with distinction on the world circuit.
On Sunday the dazzling galloper made a record breaking return to the track in the Group Three Woodlands Trophy (1200m) at Kranji.
His South Africa based owner Fred Crabbia was on hand to accept the award.
Rocket Man has earned over S$2.14 million (A$1.74 million) and is looking to boost that considerably when he contests the Group One Sprinters Stakes (1200m) – the feature Japanese sprint carrying a purse of over A$2.6 million – on October 3.
Magic Millions graduates are regularly in the winner’s stall in Singapore.
This year a new award, the Aushorse Marketing Australian-Bred Winning Trainer, was presented.
Steven Burridge, who won 54 races in the past 12 months with Australian breds, won the new trainer award.
Both winners received bronze statuettes from renowned Australian artist Mary Pinsent’s Equine Series.
Aushorse Marketing Chairman Antony Thompson recognised the importance of Singapore on the Australian breeding industry.
“Singapore has become a major export market for Australian breeders where 53 per cent of the runners are Australian-bred.”
“There awards are a perfect opportunity to honour and recognise success in the region,” Thompson added.
Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said it was no surprise that Rocket Man was the recipient of such a prestigious award.
“I think I’m pretty safe in saying that Singapore hasn’t seen a better horse than Rocket Man,” Chester commented.
“He’s an absolute star and I’m sure there’s still plenty more wins in store for him.”
“Our South African agent Andy Williams purchased him for just $60,000 and he’s already earned Fred Crabbia and Pat Shaw over $2.14 million in Singapore.”
“Rocket Man is about to head to Japan and I’m confident he will fly the flag for both Singapore and Australia with great distinction.”
“It was also great to see that Steven Burridge was recognised tonight by Aushorse,” Chester added.
“The Burridge stable is one of the biggest supporters of Magic Millions sales around the country and I know the majority of his Australian bred winners were graduates of our sales.”
