After serving out a suspension for careless riding in late June, Chinese jockey Liang Xiaochuan has spent the last seven weeks trying to get back to the winner’s circle amidst limited opportunities.

But it took a chance ride on Wealthyness  in the Class 4A – 1020m sprint on the No. 2 track at Sungai Besi today for the former Macau apprentice to show that he still has what it takes to win.

Wealthyness was the emergency acceptor in the race and was given a start when another runner was scratched on-course.

Trainer Ricky Choi did not hestitate to name Liang as the rider. After all, the boy has ridden the gelding in seven of his last 10 runs in the country, winning once back in February this year.

Liang would not let the opportunity go to waste.

Our Secret Weapon went straight to the front after the start. Wealthyness also started well from his wide barrier (10) to take up a position just behind the pacemaker. They were followed by Pacific Commander and Nimbus Star as the field turned out of the back straight.

Our Secret Weapon led into the home straight just ahead of Wealthyness. Release the Spirit moved up to third while Pacific Commander was looking for a run on the rails next.

Wealthyness raced up to Our Secret Weapon at the 300m and the pair fought all the way to the line with Wealthyness finishing slightly the better to win by a neck. Pacific Commander was third.

Right after the winning post, Liang rose high in the saddle to salute to the crowd and let out a loud yell.

Understandably so. Liang has not won a race since scoring on Yes Man on May 18. And he had started his Malaysian campaign very positively with 11 wins in the first five months of the year.

"I lost the momentum with the suspension. It's been a frustrating few weeks for me," said Liang.

"I rode him (Wealthyness) in track work everyday. I didn't quite expect him to run today, let alone win.

"But Wealthyness was in good condition and showed his best form.

A beaming Lianhg Xiao Chuan returns to scale on Wealthyness

"It was only the third time he raced on the No. 2 track and I also rode him on the two previous occasions.

"I hope to ride on this victory today and pick up more wins."

A five-time winner in Macau, the son of Divine Prophet has now picked up four more wins in Malaysia.

"I didn't expect him (Wealthyness) to run this well today," said Choi. Wealthyness paid RM178 for a win.

"He was rather disappointing the last two starts after going with the pace. I think the track condition suited him today."