FINALLY, A FIRST GOLD FOR PERKINS

Patience rewarded for French jockey whose rides, let alone good ones, have been scarce

- Michael Lee

Patience was instrumental to Charles Perkins' first Singapore success in more ways than one.

The French jockey had to keep calm at not just the ride that led to his Kranji breakthrough aboard Sacred Gold in the $20,000 Maiden (1,200m) on May 12, but also during that long and frustrating onemonth wait to get there.

Greeted by his ecstatic wife Anais at the dismount, Perkins was relieved he could clutch his first ticket to a place he used to visit a lot more often at his former Macau base.

"In Macau, I was very successful, I finished fifth at the last season. I don't know why I don't get a lot of support here," he said. "Mentally, it's been frustrating. But I'm still thankful to all the trainers who have supported me so far." He had garnered only 10 rides in four meetings, with only two third placings to show for.

Bookings on also-rans at threefigure odds soon made the 35year-old hanker for the days he ruled the roost in Macau.