Khoo Still Gets A Big Thrill As Owner

Big Max sheds maiden tag, keeps Kranji's doyen of ex-trainers busy in the racing game

- Michael Lee

Big Max has a catchy name he has not quite lived up to, but he finally broke the duck – not at his original home turf at Kranji, but at his very first outing in Malaysia.

Often a popular pick among pundits and punters alike, the son of Charm Spirit has, however, flattered to deceive at most of his 18 starts in Singapore.

He even figured among the early juvenile favourites in 2023, especially after a second to Artillery in a 2YO race, but the noted speedster always got swamped late.

A change of pattern to waiting tactics towards the end of his 3YO campaign did not help matters. He was eventually exported to Malaysia when his trainer Leslie Khoo relinquished his licence after Kranji closed down in October.

In keeping a 30 per cent share in the horse (other 70 per cent is owned by Sam Chee Kiong of Goal Keeper fame), Khoo somehow knew he should not give up hope, even if he had handed the reins to someone else, Kuala Lumpur trainer Nick Selvan.

The first cross-border test came in a lowly RM32,000 (S$9,600) Class 5B (1,400m). After a quick call with Selvan, Khoo was prepared to wait for another day for that vindication, though.