Experienced Chinchon made a mark in Singapore, winning the 2000 metres, G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji Race Track on Sunday. The seven year old is trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias and was ridden confidently by Oliver Doleuze.

The start of the race had to be delayed after one of the runners, City Style, started to throw tantrums and was eventually scratched.

South African hope, Flax led early along the rails and set a steady pace while Chinchon was held towards the rear early. Making headway 2 f out, Chinchon powered his way through horses inside the final furlong and stretched out to win by three lengths. Zaidan who was racing in mid field throughout, moved strongly on the straight but was out placed by the winner. Flax finished third, a further half a length behind.

"I can't believe it," said winning jockey Olivier Doleuze. "I'm still up in the air. I'll come down to earth in a day or so. It means an awful lot to me to win this race in Singapore," he added. "I was one of the early ones to come out of Europe to ride here, which makes this special. I had a good trip and he improved his position when I asked him, and he finished really well."