IT TOOK a truly international team to win this year's $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup.
Brazilian-bred galloper Gloria de Campeao, with a Swedish owner and French trainer, narrowly edged out pre-race favourite Presvis by a head to claim victory yesterday.
The unfancied six-year-old, owned by Swede Stefan Friborg, rewarded brave punters with a $125 payout.
Starting from barrier 6, he had tucked in behind leader and defending champion Jay Peg for the first half of the 2,000-metre race.
He made his move at the top of the straight and held off a strong challenge from fast-closing Presvis to be first past the winning post at the Kranji racecourse.
Winning jockey Tiago Josue Pereira, who has ridden 1,751 victories in his 15-year-career, was delighted by the biggest victory of his career.
The 32-year-old Brazilian said: 'I've won some big races in Brazil, including the San Paulo Grand Prix, but that doesn't compare anywhere to this win.
'I've always had faith in this horse. Ever since I was first invited to come here to ride him, I've felt confident in his ability.'
The victorious French connections pocketed $1,710,000.
Said trainer Pascal Bary: 'I think the track suited him. He's very used to similar small circuits and he loves the heat, coming from Brazil. He ran a good race, and we were aggressive at the start, which was a good way to do things.'
Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.
