Expat NZ trainer Stephen Gray celebrated his 50th birthday in style when Born To Fly won the G2 E W Barker Trophy (1400m) at Kranji on Sunday.

The Australian bred son of Vinery sire Mossman was one of the outsiders despite a last-start placing in the G3 Saas Fee Stakes, however, Gray wasn’t surprised when he got up to defeat the favourite Magneto (Arg) by a length.

“I’m just so happy and it’s not just because it’s my birthday,” Gray said.  “He’s such a good little horse and always tries his best.  He’s never let us down and now he’s finally won a Group race.

“He’s so sound and that’s rare as good horses have such a limited lifespan.  He’s just like a good Kiwi rugby player!”

Born To Fly (7g Mossman – Conclude by Danzero) was sold by Vinery for $14,000 at the 2009 Inglis Classic yearling sale and then pin-hooked for $50,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions 2YO Sale.

The gelding has now earned the equivalent of AUD 691,000 for Gray and his wife Bridgette.

Malaysian-born rookie jockey Rueven Ravindra also celebrated his first major win in Singapore.  “When the pressure went on, he gave me a very good turn of foot,” Ravindra said.  “I switched across heels in the straight but was only confident after we went past Magneto.”

BORN TO FLY