Muniandy has recently returned to White Robe Lodge after a three-month stint riding in his native Malaysia where he hit racing's ultimate high by riding Indian Jade to win the group 1 Perak Gold Cup.
Yesterday's jumpouts might have been a world away from those joyous scenes, but the jockey was pleased to be back home, he said.
Muniandy made his first step out on to the Wingatui track in an official capacity a winning one when guiding the Terry Kennedy-trained Murray to win yesterday's opening heat.
The Nom De Jeu 4yr-old pleased Kennedy with his winning effort in the horse's first jumpout.
The trainer planned to give the horse more time and jumpout experience before lining up at the races, he said.
Kennedy's Princess Brook has been handed topweight of 60kg in Saturday's 2000m North Canterbury Cup at Riccarton.
The Riccarton surface has been rated at dead this week, which should suit her better than the heavy track she encountered in her most recent start there.
Muniandy bookended yesterday's programme when he rode Gallant Defender to a two-length victory over 1000m.
The talented but hard to follow galloper held out Special Duke and Slammer in a three-horse open contest.
Although Gallant Defender impressed in his 1.02.3 timed win, he could not match the 1000m time of an impressive unnamed 4yr-old from Claire Anderton's stable.
The Cape Blanco gelding from Belle Chantecler dashed to an impressive seven-length victory with Jacob Lowry aboard in 1.02.0.
Should the runaway winner come through his jumpout in good order, he would be aimed at the Winton meeting on October 15, Anderton said.
Anderton's stable star, The Precious One, has been confirmed to start in a field of 10 smart 3yr-olds who will contest Saturday's Guineas Trial at Riccarton.
Last season's speedy 2yr-old, Our Teddy Boy, cruised to a comfortable half-length victory for rider Corey Campbell in another jumpout heat.
The 3yr-old has returned bigger and stronger after enjoying a spell since running a commendable sixth behind star filly Prom Queen in the Champagne Stakes at Riccarton in July.
Trainer Steve Tyler is eyeing a start at next Friday's Timaru meeting with the Onceuponatime gelding, he said.
In the only other heat on yesterday's programme, Brian and Shane Anderton-trained stablemates Taieri Gem and Willow hit out together over 800m.
Taieri Gem and Courtney Barnes held a nose advantage over Willow and Campbell at the line, though neither horse was fully extended.
Wingatui jumpout results.-
Weather; fine, track; dead.
Heat 1, 800m maiden: Murray, S Muniandy 1; Nadeem-Amy Cee 2; Peggy Stewart 3. Trainer: T Kennedy. 1L, 1½L. Time: 51.35sec. Five started.
Heat 2, 800m open: Taieri Gem, C Barnes 1; Willow 2. Trainers: B and S Anderton. Ns. Time: 52.32sec. Two started.
Heat 3, 1000m maiden: Our Teddy Boy, C Campbell 1; Riding High 2; Chelsea Blue 3. Trainer: S Tyler. ½L, 2L. Time: 1.04.6. Four started.
Heat 4, 1000m maiden: Cape Blanco-Belle Chantecler, J Lowry 1; Road To Rock-Wildcat 2; Mackenzie Country 3. Trainer: C Anderton. 7l. Time: 1.02.0. Four started.
Heat 5, 1000m open: Gallant Defender, S Muniandy 1; Special Duke 2; Slammer 3. Trainers: B and S Anderton. 2L, 2L. Time 1.02.3. Three started.
