| Outstanding Hong Kong galloper Wellington produced a stunning home straight surge to notch the biggest win of his career to date in today’s HK$18 million Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. |
The son of All Too Hard responded brilliantly when asked by race jockey Alexis Badel and the pair reeled in the leaders and then raced clear for an easy win. At just his 10th lifetime start Wellington quickly established himself as one of finest short course performers in the region when he beat the best sprinters Hong Kong and Japan could muster. The win was a triumph for English trainer Richard Gibson and was the biggest win in Hong Kong for French jockey Alexis Badel. “It’s a fantastic moment,” Badel said. “I’ve known this horse since last season and he’s been great to me.” “He’s given me a lot of wins and I’m so happy and I feel blessed to be back on him as it’s not easy to get on the good horses here and win a big race like this.” “He had a perfect trip. He was a lot more relaxed than last time. When I put a little bit of pressure on my horse he responded so well. He’s a top class horse and he proved that today.” “I’m glad for his trainer Richard Gibson because he’s been great to me. He’s given me a lot of support since my first season here and it’s fantastic to be able to deliver on such a big day for him.” Wellington was a $70,000 buy from the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for Victoria’s Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm. He was educated in Victoria and showed high class ability when based at John McArdle’s Redgum Racing. The son of All Too Hard was sold to Hong Kong when he quickly become a star of the future with three wins from as many starts. As it now stands Wellington boasts seven wins and a second placing from just 10 starts and he’s earned connections the equivalent of over A$3 million. Wellington was purchased by James O’Brien and his Lauriston team from the draft of Kia Ora Stud who bred the star sprinter in partnership with David Paradise and Steve McCann. He is the first foal of his dam Mihiri, a Sydney winner and group performed daughter of More Than Ready. Before being retired to stud she ran third in the Group Two Breeders Classic at Rosehill behind Catkins and Lilliburlero. He hails from an outstanding international family of stars including Cerulean Sky and Moonstone as well as Godolphin’s local heroine Colette. Winner: Wellington Breeding: All Too Hard-Mihiri (More Than Ready) Breeders: Kia Ora Stud Pty Ltd, David Paradise & Steve McCann Race: HKJC Chairman’s Sprint Prize G1 (1200m) Sold for: $70,000 Sale: 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Kia Ora Stud Buyer: Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm Earnings: HK$18,424,690 (A$3 million) Owners: Mr & Mrs Michael Cheng Wing On & Jeffrey Cheng Man Cheong Trainer: Richard Gibson |
