Banker’s Stable marked their first hattrick with a silverware when Banker’s Happy battled to victory, then survived a protest in the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze Up Sale Trophy at Sungai Besi today.

Winner of two races – also placed thrice in 14 starts – in Australia, the son of Capitalist was purchased by the stable for a modest A$22,500 at an online sale midway through his 4YO season.

After finishing fourth on his local debut, Banker’s Happy went on to win his next start over 1400m in Class 4 when beating the useful Trees Of Valinor.

Banker’s Happy was promoted a class for that victory but it mattered little to punters as they still installed him favourite against some smart opposition in the Class 3 – 1500m handicap today.

Storm Titan, unbeaten in his last four starts and also recently promoted, was the first to break but Banker’s Happy quickly took up the running to lead from Red Dragonfly and Omakase. Storm Titan was eased back running fourth.

Banker’s Happy continued to set a nice pace and led into the straight from Red Dragongly with Banker’s Victory moving up third just ahead of Storm Titan racing on the rails.

Banker’s Happy was holding off Red Dragonfly at the 100m when Storm Deity was switched out from the rails behind the heels of Banker’s Happy.

Storm Deity charged at Banker’s Happy in the closing stages but the latter held on to win by a neck with a similar distance to Red Dragonfly.

A double objection was lodged after the race: Storm Deity against Banker’s Happy and Red Dragonfly against Storm Deity for alleged interference in the final 200m. Both were dismissed.

“Definitely happy with him (Banker’s Happy) although it was a narrow victory,” said trainer Johnny Lim.

“The horse was stepping up in distance and carrying a bit of weight (57kg) and he was put under a lot of pressure towards the end.

“To me I think he can go up to a mile. He’s a nice four-year-old.”

“My instructions were to lead if the horse jumped well and he (Banker’s Happy) was travelling nicely on the bit in front,” said jockey Johari Kamaruddin.

“But in the last 150m he became a little scared racing in front. He hung out and I had to pull him in and stayed in my line.

“He is a big horse with a big heart. I think he can go far.”

Earlier, Kamaruddin produced a big upset when he piloted Banker’s First (RM106) to win the Visit Malaysia – KL -The Exchange TRX Mall Stakes (Class 3 – 1200m).

Banker’s Stable then showcased another promising galloper when Banker’s Honor beat a field that included last year’s Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) winner Kim Emperor and the recent Perak Derby (2000m) winner Guru Fight in the Visit Malaysia – KL – The Gardens Mall Stakes (Supreme C – 2000m).

It was the one-time Australia winner.’s second win in three starts in the country.