On a day when the winning enclosure had been sparse with people, this year’s Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy victor received one of the most rapturous welcome ever seen at Kranji.

It is not hard to understand why. Both horse and rider, King And King and Saimee Jumaat, had known the dizzy heights of success at some point, only to take hit a rocky patch, but are now both back to the pinnacle of racing.

The seven-time champion jockey has wasted no time in hogging the limelight, barely a week from his comeback from a one-year disqualification. But to be honest, it was only a matter of time his riding skills would thrust him back at the top.

But the real feat has to belong to King And King, once feted as the Group 2 Queen Elizabeth II Cup hero of 2006, who started a downward spiral when his bad legs played up, leading to his nadir – last in this year’s Singapore Airlines International Cup.

But trainer Steven Burridge and wife Julie never lost faith in their champion, nursing the Celestial Dancer seven-year-old back to racing fitness, first with a win in a 1800m race and, now a remarkable return to Group success.

Burridge was thrilled at the win not only for the horse but for Julie his number one supporter.

“I’m so pleased for Julie she has put so much work, effort and time into this horse.” Burridge said.

While all eyes were on favourite Capablanca (Noel Callow) turning for home, rocketing down the outside was the distinctive white and green colours of King And King.

Pandemonium must have broken loose in the Burridge camp when Capablanca was found wanting inside the last 100m, leaving the coast clear for the King to rise and rule again.

Recast, another comeback horse, stormed home for second one length away, while Capablanca battled courageously for third, three parts of a length clear of Jade (Eric Legrix).

Julie Burridge was herself just as thrilled as trainer Steve.

“He’s had a lot of problems this horse and we’ve been massaging his back and giving him plenty of stretches before his work.

“He’s done a lot of work on the trial synthetic tracks (PolyTrack and Tapeta) and these have made all the difference to him.

“I’ve been able to put the work into him and he’s come to the races a little bit fresh but fit as well.

“I could see him on the way out to the barriers that he was a lot more relaxed in his action and being back on the turf of course has helped as well.”

Jockey Opie Bosson (Recast) was beaming with his second placing.

“He travelled great and really picked them up in the run home. It was a very good run.”

Saimee’s first thoughts were for the Burridge track rider Agong who passed away suddenly a few weeks ago.

“I really want to dedicate this win to him, he was a great person and we miss him very much.

“The speed was quick which suited King And King and I was able to slot in with cover in the right position.

“He travelled so well I was able to go for him in the straight and he just went whoosh!

“It’s great to ride for someone like Steven who rides his own horses and really understands them.

“He was able to give specific instructions on how to ride him and it really helped.

“I haven’t ridden the horse before and I am extremely pleased to have been able to win for the stable.”

The connections of Jumbo Stable were unfortunately not on hand to bring their prized possession back to scale, due to a restriction imposed on certain areas due to a virus alert in Singapore and while the win may not be as prestigious as receiving a trophy from the Queen, the feeling must be just as regal.

Copyright 2006 Singapore Turf Club