Platinum Emperor announced his return to racing with a heart-stopping victory in the Melaka Wonderland and Theme Park & Resorts Stakes (Supreme A – 1200m) at Sungai Besi today.

The Sweynesse galloper last raced in the Selangor Gold Cup (1600m) in September when he started favourite. Unfortunately, the gelding mistrode when racing prominently early in the race, became badly unbalanced and dislodged jockey Mark Lerner.

Platinum Emperor, winner of eight races in Macau, then collided with two other horses, took a hard knock and bled from both nostrils as a result.

Prior to that, Platinum Emperor had won thrice in four runs and was placed third in the other outing, which was the Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) won by Noah Khan.

Trainer Ricky Choi then gave Platinum Emperor plenty of time to recover from the incident and brought him back for his first race in four months today.

Despite the long layoff and tackling a shorter distance than his recent runs, punters still installed the six-year-old favourite in the set-weight event, which pitted him against the likes of speedsters Noah Khan, Pacific Vampire and Bransom.

Sacred Buddy jumped best but was quickly passed by Platinum Fort who led from Pacific Vampire at the 800m. They were followed by Bransom, Sacred Buddy, Noah Khan, Arigato and Platinum Emperor who was trapped three-wide after jumping from gate 10.

Platinum Fort led into the straight just ahead of Pacific Vampire with a gap of two lengths to Bransom. The came Noah Khan, Sacred Buddy and Platinum Emperor who was switched out very wide.

Platinum Fort held a half-length lead from Pacific Vampire at the 200m. Platinum Emperor was still some four lengths away in fourth spot at this point, just behind Bransom.

Pacific Vampire then levelled up with Platinum Fort and they were neck-and-neck at the 50m when Platinum Emperor stormed home on their outside to make it a three-way photo at the line.

Platinum Emperor got there in the nick of time to win by a head from Pacific Vampire. Platinum Fort was another neck away third.

Platinum Emperor stopped the clock in 1min 8.89secs, just 0.69 second shy of the course record first set in 2011 by Captain Obvious, then equalled in 2019 by War Dragon and Forsa Eclipse.

“First-up, he (Platinum Emperor) wasn’t 100%,” said winning jockey Benny Woodworth.

“We also travelled wide all the way but it was a good finish.

“He will improve from the run and will be better over a longer trip.”

“This race today will help him get back to full fitness,” said Choi.

“His next target will be the CNY Prosperity Trophy (1600m) next month.”