Banker’ssweetheart captured the RM35,000 (S$11,000) Mitavite Asia Cup over 1,100 meters at Ipoh on June 13, winning by 2¼ lengths [1, 2]. The race was run on a track that improved from soft to yielding and then good following rain in the days beforehand [1, 2].
Jockey Joe Kamaruddin guided Banker’ssweetheart to a strong start and set the pace, finishing comfortably ahead of Stop The Water in second and Sousui in third [1, 2]. Kamaruddin said, "I expected Stop The Water to lead but found myself in front instead" [1]. He also explained his tactical choice: "I noticed that the earlier winners won running down the middle of the track, so I took her (Banker’ssweetheart) out from the rails" [2]. Kamaruddin added that she "won well and was not affected by the track" [2].
Stop The Water, a five-year-old Headwater gelding recently transferred to trainer Kevin Coetzee from Richard Lines, was slow to start under rider Ruzaini Supien and could not make up lost ground despite closing towards the finish [1, 2]. Known for his speed, Stop The Water has won four races leading from the front at Sungai Besi [1, 2].
Banker’ssweetheart had finished fourth in her last two races at Sungai Besi, trailing Banker’s First (Class 3) and Yes Man (Metro A) respectively [1, 2].
Jockey Joe Kamaruddin had a remarkable run leading up to the win, recording 12 seasonal winners by June 13. Just days before, he completed a treble on June 6 aboard Banker’s Queen, Banker’s Dream, and Pacific Padrino at Sungai Besi. He also won on Banker’s Honor on June 7 at the same venue [1, 2].
Banker’ssweetheart’s victory adds to Kamaruddin’s successful 2026 season. The next major races at Ipoh are scheduled later this month.