There will be plenty of New Zealand interest in FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin on April 27, headlined by Kiwi raider El Vencedor.
The multiple Group One winner was rated the 10th joint best galloper in the world in the latest LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, and the Stephen Marsh-trained gelding will head to the competitive racing jurisdiction to test his talent in the Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m).
He attracted plenty of interest from the international racing fraternity following his impressive run of form in New Zealand, winning his last four races, including three at Group One level, earning himself an invite from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
El Vencedor won’t be the only competitor with the New Zealand suffix at the meeting, with local Hong Kong hero and New Zealand-bred sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising tipped to continue his dominance in the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).
Bred by Marton horseman Fraser Auret under his Grandmoral Lodge Racing banner, Ka Ying Rising has been an unstoppable force in Hong Kong for trainer David Hayes, winning his last 11 races, including the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), and Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m).
The world’s highest-rated sprinter will be joined in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize by fellow Kiwi-bred Lucky Sweynesse, with the four-time Group One winner set to make his raceday return after more than a year away from the track.
New Zealand-bred superstar Mr Brightside is set to make his first appearance in Hong Kong when he takes his place in the Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), where he will bid to add a 10th elite-level triumph to his record.
FWD Champions Day has attracted many of the world’s best gallopers and is set to be an exciting day of racing.
“FWD Champions Day is one of the most preeminent fixtures on world racing’s calendar. We are delighted to have world-class representation from overseas and Hong Kong at our spring flagship meeting,” HKJC Executive Director of Racing Andrew Harding said.
“With 16 visitors from around the world, including Mr Brightside and Goliath, the might of Hong Kong’s team will be tested across the three Group One features.
“From Hong Kong’s perspective, we can’t wait to see Ka Ying Rising step out. David Hayes’ exceptional sprinter has won his last 11 races and adds an increasing layer of excitement this year.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
