Flying Kiwi bred sprinter Lucky Sweynesse claimed another feature Hong Kong sprint when taking out the $HK12million Group I Centenary Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday at the expense of Aussie bred speedsters Wellington and Sight Success to become the first G1 winner for his sire Sweynesse.
His trainer Manfred Man was devastated after Lucky Sweynesse failed to obtain clear running before finishing an untested sixth in the Group I LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 11 December, but gained sweet redemption in this event when Lucky Sweynesse prevailed under Zac Purton to win by a length and a half as favourite.
“There was nothing I could do in the International Sprint (Hong Kong Sprint). We drew the wrong gate (barrier three) and we just got locked away. I was just disappointed for Manfred. It was his big chance and it doesn’t sit well with me at not being able to deliver for him, but hopefully today has gone some way to repaying him,” Purton said.
“It was pretty painless today. As soon as he begun as well as he did and I was able to get outside the leader, I was fairly confident from there. He still had to turn up and do it and Sight Success gave him a good race – he gave a good kick, so I had to work to get past him and hold them off. He did a terrific job.”
Beaming with excitement, Man said: “Each winner is special for me but a Group 1 winner makes me feel powerful. I’m still excited. I was full of confidence that he could win. Two runs ago he just had no luck, everyone could see that. This race he drew eight but he could still win. I think the horse can still improve. Zac told me he is a good horse.”
Ruling out international travel, Man will next target the two remaining legs in Hong Kong’s Speed Series – the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 19 March and the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 30 April.
A $90,000 purchase for J & I Bloodstock from the Woburn Farm draft at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, Lucky Sweynesse is a full brother to Group I placed Signora Nera and is from stakes-winning Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia.
Lucky Sweynesse becomes the first Group I winner for Lonhro stallion Sweynesse, who stands at Novara Park.
