For the fourth year in a row and the fifth time in the last six years, the HK$20 million Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) has been won by a Karaka graduate.
The $200,000 Ready to Run Sale purchase Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook) produced a superb performance to win the 2019 edition on Sunday, following in the footsteps of Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins) and Mr Stunning (Exceed and Excel).
Aerovelocity, who cost $120,000 at the 2010 Premier Sale, won the race in 2014 and 2016, while $250,000 Premier Sale purchase Mr Stunning scored back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018.
On Sunday it was all about Beat The Clock, who raced in midfield before champion jockey Joao Moreira angled him into the clear in the straight.
He unleashed a withering finish, getting up in the final strides to snatch a last-gasp victory in a thrilling three-way finish. The time was a quick 1:08.12.
“When the gates opened he was not where I wanted him to be, but I knew I was coming to win a furlong (200m) out,” Moreira said.
“This was really memorable for me, as some people were doubting how good he was, but he showed them today. In fact, I think there may be some more to come.
“He is such a good horse, so consistent, he tries his best always and being his rider is just unforgettable.”
Beat The Clock has now had 23 starts for nine wins, 14 placings and more than HK$46.8 million in stakes. That’s the equivalent of NZ$9.1 million, which is 45 times his purchase price.
The Hong Kong Sprint was Beat The Clock’s third Group 1 win, following on from the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m). He has also placed in another four Group 1 events.
“His will to win and fighting spirit – all the good things that good horses have, he has all those attributes,” trainer John Size said.
“He helps himself a lot with his training. He saves his energy for raceday. I think he’ll sleep for a week now. He used every ounce of energy in his body in today’s effort, and it’s humbling to see a horse do that actually.
“He’s a joy when he comes to the races, I can assure you of that. You’re going to come home with a cheque no matter what. He’s been an absolute pleasure. He was extremely brave in the run today. He didn’t look like he was going to win, but we know with him, he’s just not done until the finishing line comes up.”
| Vendor | Prima Park |
| Purchaser | Mr B Mitchell |
| Breeding | Hinchinbrook – Flion Fenena |
| Sale | Lot 260, 2015 Ready to Run Sale, $200,000 |
| Bred by | Miss J Henderson |
