Rich Tapestry Edges Goldencents in U.S Debut

 

Irish-bred and Hong Kong-campaigned Rich Tapestry made his North American debut a winning one, rallying from last to nip Goldencents in the Grade 1, $300,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Saturday.

 

Rich Tapestry trailed the early pace led by Secret Circle with Ankeny Hill to his outside. The pair covered the early going in :21.98 for the opening quarter and :44.25 for the opening half-mile. Indexical and Goldencents kept within striking distance of the leaders.

 

Goldencents, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, turned for home with a burst of speed and took over the lead. Under jockey Olivier Doleuze, Rich Tapestry exited the turn four-wide and veered to the inside by the 1/16 pole to grind down Goldencents to win by a nose.

 

Successful in his first attempt on a fast dirt course, Rich Tapestry covered the six furlongs in 1:07.59.

 

Secret Circle finished third, followed by Ankeny Hill and Indexical. Merit Man was scratched.

 

Trained by C. W. Chang, Rich Tapestry is already a millionaire, and his win in the Sprint Championship boosts his earnings to more than $1.4 million with a career record of 27-7-4-1 for his owners Cheung Ho Wong, Et Al. By Holy Roman Emperor and out of the Sadler’s Wells dam Genuine Charm, Rich Tapestry was bred in Ireland by Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd.