Military Attack wins and Beauty Flame surprises in Hong Kong
As the Hong Kong Jockey Club prepares for the marquee event of the racing calendar, December’s International Races, a flood of emotions filled the track on Saturday. In preparation for the upcoming internationals, the Jockey Club hosts a trio of prep races at Sha Tin, all with Group 2 status, to give the local talent a last bit of conditioning before defending their home turf against a slew of international invaders.
A usual highly spirited set piece for the top horses in the region was marred by the morning news of Red Cadeaux, a frequent Hong Kong racer and winner of the 2012 Hong Kong Vase. He was unfortunately euthanized due to complications from surgery after his injury sustained in the Melbourne Cup. Fans and horsemen alike held their heads a little bit lower, but continued on knowing the best way to honor a hero of the sport was to continue with the traditions that built his grandeur.
The first contest of the stakes races was the Jockey Club Cup, featuring a talent packed field of two turn horses headlined by Military Attack and Blazing Speed. Over turf rated good, the field broke smoothly and settled into a very tepid pace considering the ground conditions. Zac Purton had Military Attack settled mid pack on the rail, while to his outside Neil Callan kept Blazing Speed under cover from the pace setters. Entering the stretch, Purton weaved his mount through traffic and linked up with a fast finishing Blazing Speed. The two dueled to the line with the elder Military Attack holding a neck margin over his younger rival through the wire in a time of 2:01.84 for the 2000m. While receiving a 5lb advantage over Blazing Speed, Beauty Only made a very nice run to finish 3rd in a thrilling edition of the Cup.
Perhaps the most highly anticipated race of the day was the Jockey Club Mile, where local superstar Able Friend was set to make his first start at his premier distance this season. The reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year was carrying an eight race win streak at Sha Tin and was regarded as close as possible to a sure thing for his race. Also set to debut for the first time since season-ending surgery was former Horse of the Year Designs on Rome.
Set off as the overwhelming favorite, Able Friend was settled by champion jockey Joao Moreira at the back of the field. On the front end was Beauty Flame, the expected pace setter and usual appetizer to the main dish that is Able Friend’s turn of foot. However, on this day, over the firmer than usual ground, he was out to prove himself a spoiler to the show everyone wanted to see. At 37-1, Beauty Flame separated himself from the field down the stretch and while Able Friend ran his final ¼ mile in 21.87s, he couldn’t close the gap and finished 1 ½ lengths back of the upset winner with the young and extremely talented Contentment squeezing by for second place. Able Friend’s loss instilled feelings of shock and disbelief, however devoted fans bellowed both horse and rider applause and cheers while doing something they haven’t done in over a year: be unsaddled outside of the winners circle.
Finishing up the stakes was the Jockey Club Sprint, which boasted a wonderful matchup of the best sprinters Hong Kong has to offer. Finishing behind the aforementioned Able Friend one too many times, Gold Fun stepped down from his usual distance to contest the sprint distance of 1200m. Settling mid pack under Christophe Soumillon, he tracked the fast pace set by Peniaphobia and Super Jockey. Swinging outside in the stretch, he powered by the field and grudgingly past the extremely game Peniaphobia to win in the flashy time of 1:08.31. It looks like Gold Fun has found a new niche of racing, and will likely be spotted back next in the Hong Kong Sprint. Rounding out the day in smiles, was the old timer Lucky Nine, who stormed home impressively to finish 4th. An 8 year old multiple G1 winner, Lucky Nine hasn’t found the winner’s circle in nearly a year and half, but still holds a strong following of loyal fans happy to see him rounding into form at the most important time of year. The December Hong Kong International Races are dubbed the Turf Racing World Championships, and given the improving form of the local contingent, any foreign horses will need to bring their best if they expect to return home a winner.
The start of the Jockey Club Cup (G2)
Military Attack winning the Jockey Club Cup
A very happy Zac Purton after winning the Jockey Club Cup on Military Attack
Able Friend and his grooms goofing off on the paddock before the Jockey Club Mile (G2)
Sometimes hindsight is 20/20. Beauty Flame looked outstanding before the Jockey Club Mile
Beauty Flame (37-1) offering the upset of the season defeating Able Friend in the Jockey Club Mile.
Able Friend and Joao Moreira headed toward the unsaddling area after the Jockey Club Mile.
John Moore, trainer of Able Friend looking at the winner's circle vacant of his superstar after the Jockey Club Mile.
Joao Moreira and Peniaphobia before the Jockey Club Sprint