Christopher Mamdeen’s racing career got off to a winning start on Saturday, with the apprentice guiding Crucial Treasure to victory from his first official ride.

Having already posted a winner in one of the preparation races for the apprentices, Mamdeen knew exactly what to do and what to except when he hit the front aboard the bay filly close to home in the Cash Pot “Xtra” Trophy maiden condition race on Saturday.

A relaxed Mamdeen broke Crucial Treasure sharply but held the Renex Burrell trainee off the pace as Alexa’s Star (Tevin Foster) went in front over Stallwalkin’girl (Harriston Lewis) and Golden Emperor (Gary Richards).

Mamdeen then took Crucial Treasure into a striking position, running the half-mile (800m) turn in the seven-furlong (1,400m) race for native-bred three-year-olds who have never finished second to fourth lifetime.

Turning for home on the outside, Mamdeen produced his mount and Crucial Treasure responded well by powering away to score by two-and-a-half lengths . Stallwalkin’girl held for second with Luminous Power (Javaniel Patterson) third. Final time was 1:29.1.

Mamdeen became the second apprentice to win on debut following Tevin Foster’s win in the previous race.

“I am feeling good. I am feeling great in myself knowing that the first ride I got, I came out a winner. I have to give thanks for everything. I thank God for the strength and the will power, as well as the trainer, owner, groom, fellow apprentices, jockeys and racing fans who are behind me,” an elated Mamdeen shared.

Mamdeen said that following instructions contributed greatly to his maiden win.

“The instructions to me were to get a good break. After that I should keep her ( Crucial Treasure) relaxed in third place or fourth place, and when I got to the half mile, I should take my time to urge her on. The last two furlongs now, I should roll him over and get him running and it was all over from there,” he explained.

Venturing into the racing industry was an easy decision for young Mamdeen as he was around the sport from a while.

“As a young youth growing up, I was always at the racetrack around the animals and friends as well. I was always on the track working horses, putting out the hard work in the mornings as I love riding. When the riding school came up, I applied and with luck I got through.

“I attended the programme, graduated and now, I am riding,” Mamdeen said.