HARRY A CHANCE IN POOLS TROPHY

Korean-based ex-Kranji jockey keen to win Seoul race that will take him closer to home

- Michael Lee

A'Isisuhairi Kasim's ears perked up when told a race he was riding at Seoul Racecourse on Sept 7 had a Singapore connection.

He had not realised that the 60 million won (S$58,000) Class 4 (1,200m) in which he partners Moonhak Holiday was named the Singapore Pools Trophy.

Like most jockeys, A'Isisuhairi, or Harry as he is better known, spends more time studying the part below the racecard masthead the horses.

Every winner counts, especially for a foreigner who is in his rookie season in Seoul.

In February, the lightweight jockey left Kranji after 12 years, to pursue his riding career in South Korea.

It was a gamble, but with Singapore racing set to disappear in October, he had nothing to lose. He has thus far done well with 24 winners in 242 rides.

The 38-year-old, who is less homesick these days after he was recently joined by his young family of four, already fancied Moonhak Holiday.

But the chance to have a trophy presentation photo taken with a Singaporean delegation - albeit he is Malaysian - on a foreign land has given him an extra push.

"Now that I know it's called the Singapore Pools Trophy, it would be even nicer if I could win that race," he said.

If local market talk is anything to go by, Moonhak Holiday is among the top picks. The maiden's best showings are a second (with A'Isisuhairi up) and a third, even if her recent form is not too hot.