Former Singapore Gold Cup winner Big Hearted has finally landed his first win in the country, coming from a long way back in the running to take the Stayers Stakes A race over 1800m at Sungai Besi today.

The Hallowed Crown galloper enjoyed a phenomenal rise, from winning in Restricted Maiden company on his debut to winning the Gold Cup in a matter of 12 runs, stretching from early 2019 to 2020.

Big Hearted picked up one win in 2021 but struggled with fitness – and was lightly raced – in the next two years until he came right again early last year, recording a comeback win in Class 2.

He was thereafter off the track again for eight months before making a comeback late last year and had two runs just before racing ceased in Singapore.

Big Hearted was then transferred to Frank Maynard but he struggled to find his form in four runs under the Australian trainer.

Sold to new owners Team Cheval Stable after that, Big Hearted was placed in the care of Jason Ong and began to show some of old dash with two second-placed finishes in three starts under the twice Singapore champion trainer.

Now a rising nine-year-old, Big Hearted showed that he still had what it takes to win.

Jerlyn Seow, who has partnered him in his last three runs, judged the pace to perfection today.

From his outside barrier, Big Hearted was caught wide from the start and Seow elected to drop the gelding back to second last when the field settled down.

Big Hearted improved his position and inched closer to the leader as the race progressed.

Up in front, Imperial Sabre made an early break to lead by several lengths. Smart Star tracked him from the word ‘go’ with Berry Bliss and Great Warrior well up in the running, followed by Halleda.

Imperial Sabre led into the straight but the rest of the field had closed the gap on the leader and most runners were now right behind his heels.

Smart Star was still second, ahead of Berry Bliss and Great Warrior, with Big Hearted looking to switch to the outside of the track.

Imperial Sabre still led at the 200m but Big Hearted was now looming large on his outside and raced past him 100m out to win easily. Imperial Sabre fought on gallantly to hold on for second, ahead of Halleda.

“He (Big Hearted) lived up to his name,” said Seow.

“The horse has a big heart, ran well in the last few starts and improved this week to win well.”

It was the ninth career win for Big Hearted