Ambitious Dragon set to make his return in Sha Tin Trophy

Unraced since April 2013, two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Ambitious Dragon will make his return to racing in the one-mile Sha Tin Trophy (G2). After suffering what was feared to be a career ending tendon injury in the 2013 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup, Ambitious Dragon has made a recovery that leaves many horsemen in awe. Trainer Tony Millard never lost faith in his champion stating in June of 2013, "He'll go up to Beas River [Equestrian Center] and rest and I'll look at him later - if I've got to give him a year, I will. I had a lot of success with tendon horses in South Africa. People come to you and say try this or that but I've found the only thing that really works is giving them as much time as they need. Time heals everything."

After a brief attempt to return to training last fall to attempt to defend his Hong Kong Mile title, Millard was not happy with what he saw, and sent the 7-time Group 1 winner for another healing spell. Another six months of R&R was just what Ambitious Dragon needed. Since he has returned to training at the end of May of this year, he has progressed very forwardly and participated in his first marked level of competition finishing mid pack in a six furlong barrier trial. A month later he won a five furlong trial under a hand ride and gave Mr. Millard the confidence he was looking for to announce his return to racing in the Sha Tin Trophy. This will be the first of a two race preparation schedule with the 2014 Hong Kong Mile at the December International Races being the mid season target.

Winner of 13 races in 26 lifetime starts, the 8 year old gelding has earned in excess $7.3 million USD. He has won at distances from 7 to 10 furlongs, carrying as much as 133lbs, but a mile over turf has proven to be his best distance. Racing fans can only hope that he will return to the form he displayed over the two dominating seasons at Sha Tin, but age as well as looming concerns of re-aggravating his injury have kept the connections grounded. Mr. Millard would never risk the welfare of the horse, who has nothing left to prove in Sha Tin. He’s back because he wants to do what he loves to do.

The Sha Tin Trophy will be no pushover in his return, as this is one the toughest lineups of horses to be seen in Sha Tin this year. Often the springboard of preparation for the Hong Kong International races, this race is stacked with 6 different champions, including the Horse of the Year winners of the previous 4 seasons. Weight is another variable in no short supply, asking 3 of the entries to carry a daunting 133lbs. The post draw is set to occur on Thursday, but the race entrants, their respective championship resumes, and assigned weights are listed below. Bear in mind, the weight assignments in Hong Kong are determined by rating, not by subjective assessment of current racing form.

This is what racing is all about. Ambitious Dragon is the horse I can most credit with allowing me to fall in love with this game, and I would not want him to return in any other way. It won’t be easy, but win, lose, or draw, I have an extreme amount of respect for the connections of this champion to give him the chance to try and return to greatness.

I’ll conclude with a replay of the last time Ambitious Dragon raced in the Sha Tin Trophy, winning the 2012 edition under 133lbs.