Racing: Quickly down to business

Mark Du Plessis wasted no time in making his mark on his return to Singapore.

Du Plessis, who rode Bazelle to win the Auckland Cup on January 1, returned to Singapore this week and at his first meeting on Friday night rode the winner of a S$480,000 ($424,000) race.

Du Plessis, 29, has been granted a six-month contract in Singapore and hopes to ride there on a longer term.

He had spent several years riding in Singapore beforehand after originally coming to New Zealand from his homeland of Zimbabwe.

Friday night's racing in Singapore was almost a benefit for former New Zealanders with them winning seven of the nine races between them.

Former Taranaki trainer Stephen Gray had a bumper night with three wins while former Waikato trainer Laurie Laxon had two, one of which was ridden by former Otaki apprentice Jason Waddell.

Former Foxton trainer, Paddy Busuttin, chimed in with a win as well.

- NZPA