Racing: Monsili wins Penang classic

SINGAPORE- Trainer Shane Edwards had the best post-Christmas present at Penang yesterday, taking four races including the RM500,000 ($192,000) Yang Di Pertua Negeri Gold Cup with MONSILI.

Ridden by HS Gill, Monsili came from the rear and wide out to beat Beautiful Choice by three-quarter length in the 73rd running of the Malaysian Group 1 classic which was shortened to 2,000m, from the traditional 2,200m, this year to attract more entries.

It was Monsili's fourth win in a row.

Before capturing the big race, Edwards landed a hat-trick in Races 3, 4 and 5 with BIG TSUNAMI, CRAZY CLUB and BIG ROCK respectively.

All three were ridden by Jai Shankar, who was crowned 2013 champion jockey with 52 winners, two ahead of seven-time champion Azhar Ismail.

The RM1 million Malaysian Group 3 2013 Magic Millions Classic over 1,200m was won by the Johnny Lim-trained and Greg Cheyne-ridden MYSTIC POWER.

Kuala Lumpur-based trainer Richard Lines retained his title for the third consecutive year with 43 winners, beating Ipoh-based trainer Leong Poh Keong, who saddled 37 winners.

Rueven Ravindra took the apprentice's title with 26 winners.

The rising star, who is relocating to Kranji to be indentured to eight-time champion Laurie Laxon, took the final race of the 2013 Malaysian season aboard KIM SALUTE.

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