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Fortune Rising: New Talent Emerges in Malaysian Racing

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 16:02 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE

Kuala Lumpur - February 25th, 2026 - A promising new talent, Fortune Rising, has emerged on the Malaysian racing scene, captivating observers at recent barrier trials at the Kuala Lumpur racecourse. The three-year-old gelding, trained by veteran Simon Dunderdale, delivered a performance that, while showing expected inexperience, signals a bright future for the young horse and a potential boon for Malaysian racing.

The barrier trials, essentially practice runs for horses designed to assess their readiness for competitive racing, often provide the first glimpse of a potential star. Fortune Rising didn't disappoint, exhibiting both a willing attitude and a natural aptitude for the track. Dunderdale, a name synonymous with consistent success in Malaysian racing for over two decades, expressed his satisfaction with the gelding's debut run.

"He's still very much a work in progress, naturally," Dunderdale stated after the trials. "But I was very pleased with his eagerness. He settled beautifully into a good rhythm, and that's half the battle with a young horse. He's learning quickly, and we're confident he'll continue to improve."

Fortune Rising's pedigree adds to the excitement surrounding his potential. Sired by the highly successful Australian stallion Zoustar, known for producing fast and versatile racehorses, and out of the mare Starburst, a proven producer herself, the gelding benefits from strong bloodlines. Zoustar has consistently ranked amongst the leading sires in Australia, with his progeny excelling in both sprint and middle-distance races. This suggests Fortune Rising could possess a similar versatility, giving Dunderdale options when formulating a racing strategy.

The Kuala Lumpur barrier trials specifically focus on assessing a horse's jump, early speed, and ability to settle. Observers noted Fortune Rising's clean break from the gate and his willingness to respond to the jockey's cues. While there were slight moments of greenness - typical for a three-year-old in his first public outing - these were quickly corrected, demonstrating a commendable level of trainability.

Malaysian racing has seen a resurgence in recent years, with increased investment in training facilities and a growing emphasis on attracting quality horses and jockeys. This has led to a more competitive landscape and a heightened level of excitement for racing fans. The arrival of horses like Fortune Rising, possessing both promising ability and a solid pedigree, further fuels this positive trend.

Looking ahead, Dunderdale indicated that Fortune Rising will undergo a period of further conditioning and refinement before being entered into his first official race. The trainer is considering starting the gelding in a Class 4 Maiden race, a common entry point for young horses, to allow him to gain experience and build confidence. The timing of this debut will depend on how the horse continues to progress in his training.

"We're not rushing things," Dunderdale emphasized. "The aim is to bring him along gradually and ensure he's fully prepared before he steps onto the racetrack. We want him to be competitive from the start, and that requires patience and a well-structured training plan."

Beyond the immediate focus on Fortune Rising's debut, the horse's performance at the trials has also sparked conversations about the future of Malaysian breeding programs. While Malaysia primarily relies on imported horses, there's a growing movement to develop a domestic breeding industry that can produce high-quality racehorses. The success of horses with strong imported bloodlines, like Fortune Rising, highlights the importance of carefully selecting breeding stock and investing in genetics.

For now, racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Fortune Rising's first official race. The combination of a talented horse, an experienced trainer, and a promising pedigree has created a buzz of anticipation. Fortune Rising isn't just a horse to watch; he represents a potential rising star for Malaysian racing.