Golden Pegasus redeemed himself in spectacular fashion when he cruised to a spectacular win in the Supreme A race over 1600m at Sungai Besi.

The Star Turn gelding might have beaten just five rivals but it was the manner he accounted for the Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) winner Pacific Padrino which suggested that he is truly back at his best form.

Golden Pegasus won three races in his first season in 2023 and was the top four-year-old last year when he picked up another three victories including the Malaysia 4YO Sprint (1200m) and the 4YO Safar Gemiling Cup (1600m).

Golden Pegasus finished third to Cheval Blanc in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) to wind up the 2024 season after which he was sent for a spell.

The Australian gelding returned to racing with a first-up fourth to Antipodean over 1400m last month after which punters installed him the even-money favourite in the Chairman’s Trophy – restricted to five-year-olds – two weeks ago.

Golden Pegasus could finish only fifth to Pacific Padrino and with the latter also in the line-up today, he started as the rank-outsider in the set-weight contest.

After the jump, apprentice Azizi Azhari elected to settle Golden Pegasus third on the rails, allowing Berry Bliss to lead from Mr Black Back.

A very keen Mr Black Back took over the running turning out of the back straight but at the 800m the horse stumbled and lost his rider.

A couple of horses were inconvenienced in the incident and Golden Pegasus, who was racing on the rails unhindered, suddenly found himself in front from there.

He was never headed after that. Pacific Padrino tried but could not make any impression on the leader in the run home and had to settle for second. The favourite Te Akau Ben finished third.

The winning margin was 3-1/4 lengths and Golden Pegasus stopped the clock at 1min. 33.98secs., just 0.01 second outside the previous record set by Black Thorn in the Selangor Gold Cup in 2022.

“The horse (Golden Pegasus) has improved following two runs back from a spell,” said trainer Wayne Lim.

“It was a small field and I thought he will run a good race today but I didn’t expect him to win so impressively.

“With Azizi claiming 2-kg, the lighter weight (53kg) made a lot of difference.”

“I am happy I got the ride today,” said Azizi who was riding Golden Pegasus for the first time.

“My instructions were to go with pace but I found myself in front at the 800m. He went strongly to the line.”