SAIFUDIN NOT FORGOTTEN BY 'BIG BOSS' AND FAMILY

Popular jockey in twilight of career boosted by wife's support - and essence of chicken

- Michael Lee

The only link Saleena Lim has ever had with horse racing is her husband of 24 years, jockey Saifudin Ismail.

The housewife was too busy raising four boys to bother getting her head wrapped around racecards and snaffle bits.

Of course, she was still supportive of his passion for that unique and niche job of his, even if it is the only one in the world where an ambulance tails you.

The pious couple would pray every day, especially for the safe return home of a beloved spouse, but also for a devoted father and sole breadwinner after each race day.

At best, Lim had a say in keeping him hale and hearty and shipshape.

A natural lightweight, Saifudin never had any weight issues, walking around at 51kg wringing wet.

But at 56, wear and tear creeps in, and that is where Madam Lim or the "big boss" as Saifudin teasingly refers to her - plays a big part.

"It's a tough and demanding job, very physical. I look after his diet, make sure he eats well, not too much as a jockey's weight is important," she said.

"It's not easy to stay fit and strong as he gets older. I give him vitamins and essence of chicken." Unfortunately, like the majority of jockeys, Saifudin has not been able to avoid injury a common occupational hazard for those tiny men atop 500kg beasts thundering around at 65kmh.

As the loving and dutiful wife, Lim, 47, would straight away wear another hat on top of the dietician's: that of a nurse.