Mark Khan makes a winning comeback at Turffontein

Mark Khan could not have wished for a better return to the saddle yesterday after a break of more than seven years.

Khan had four rides at Turffontein and many felt he would win aboard his first ride at the meeting, All Eyes On You trained by Paul Matchett.

The first-timer was well supported and went off at 4-1 but was under pressure quite a long way out and only managed to finish sixth, beaten seven lengths by Melinda’s Garden.

However, Khan was right on the mark in Race 4 where he rode Effortless for Gary Alexander. This daughter of Antonius Pius was well supported to go off as the 12-10 favourite and although giving her supporters a few scary moments halfway up the straight when she ducked out sharply, once straightened up she went away to Piccadilly Square by 2.10 lengths.

“I’m very happy with the way things went,” said Khan. “At least I’ve had a winner.”

Khan looked in top conditions and except for a few additional grey hairs, he looked as fit and trim as he had when he last rode in 2010.

He thanked all the people who helped him with his comeback but also took a moment to remember Alec Forbes who died suddenly on Wednesday night. “He was a good friend and I send your condolences to his wife and family.”

One of Khan’s big supporters at the course was Andrew Fortune who has just had a knee replacement operation and is not certain as to his future right now. But he was the first to welcome Khan back into the winner’s enclosure although, in typical Fortune fashion, his first words were “It was an armchair ride”.