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Hong Kong Horse Racing From 2021 : SG
- Thread starter HorLee
- Start date
Richard Gibson concedes toppling Danon Smash in the G1 HK$18 million Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on Sunday (25 April) is a formidable challenge but the Englishman believes Rattan and Wellington are more than worthy contenders.
Gibson will thrust Rattan, a seven-year-old warrior, and Wellington, an untapped four-year-old, into battle with Danon Smash, who is bidding for a third G1 success following victories in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) on 28 March at Chukyo Racecourse.
“It’s interesting that we’ve got two runners and they couldn’t be more different,” Gibson said.
“We’ve got one young horse (Wellington) who’s just starting out on his Group 1 career and Rattan, this might be one of his last Group 1 days – so, we’re going to enjoy it while we can.
“Unfortunately, we had a very rare training accident with Rattan a couple of months ago but he’s done very well to get back into shape to run in this race.
“He’s a terrific horse and he always produces on race day so I don’t look too much into his work. On race day, he always gives his all.”
Rattan is resuming following a stout third behind Danon Smash in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint on 13 December. To be ridden by Chad Schofield, the veteran jumps from barrier 12.
Wellington will be partnered by Alexis Badel and departs from gate three, leaving Gibson hopeful the mercurial talent can rebound from a puzzling fifth to Amazing Star in the G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on 5 April.
“You can’t hide your disappointment, you’ve got to take those days on the chin,” Gibson said, referring to Wellington’s failure as a 2.8 favourite.
“We can spin it anyway we like, I kind of came out of the race thinking everyone learnt a bit more about the horse – the horse learnt a bit more, the trainer learnt a bit more and the jockey as well.
“The horse has to prove himself on the day, he’s got a better draw, so the optimism in the camp would probably be a bit higher than the previous start.
“It’s a quick turnaround, we’ve had only 20 days.
“Group 1 level, we respect everybody. Danon Smash is terrific, he’s come here before and proved he can do it Hong Kong. He’s going to be a mighty adversary to beat.”
Mauritian jockey Nooresh Juglall has tragically passed away following a race fall at Champ de Mars, Mauritius, on Saturday, May 15.
The 29-year-old was piloting Rule The Night in the seventh event when disaster struck at a road crossing on the track.
According to reports, Golden Tractor, ridden by Benny Woodworth, attempted to jump the crossing but fell in front of Rule The Night.
Juglall was unable to avoid the fallen horse and came down heavily just before the entrance to the home straight.
Juglall, last season's champion jockey in Mauritius, was rushed to a medical clinic in an unconscious state. He was unable to be saved after slipping into a coma.
Woodworth suffered a serious elbow injury in the fall, while Golden Tractor had to be euthanised after fracturing a shoulder. Reports indicate Rule The Night also lost his life.
Juglall had a highly successful stint in Singapore from 2014-2019 before leaving that jurisdiction due to family reasons.
He started his riding career in South Africa, where he became the first Mauritian to be crowned champion apprentice - achieving that honour during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons.
Juglall also rode in Hong Kong against some of the best jockeys in the world.
According to publication the Sporting Post, Juglall is survived by his wife Chaaya and a child.
Is this another case where the horse has been spooked by the ungrassed strip of turf on the bend. Remember Might and Power leaping over such a strip once in 1997. Has to be sorted out.
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