NZ Flavour on FWD Champions Day

Media Release - Thursday April 10

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 is ready for his first international foray - Race images

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).

Ka Ying Rising will also be in action - image HKJC

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisment
More Reading...
High Hopes for Up and Comers
Andrew Forsman is hoping the younger members of his stable can make their mark in the new season’s age group events.
Yulong Written Tycoon Colts Quinella
A competitive juvenile colts maiden at Randwick on Wednesday over 1100m drew an interesting field with a pair of Yulong owned colts by their champion sire Written Tycoon fighting out the finish.
Kiwi Breeders to be Honoured at National Awards
The New Zealand thoroughbred breeding community will come together on Saturday July 26 to celebrate another year of excellence at the Property Brokers National Breeding Awards at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre in Cambridge.
Gordon Hoping for Another Gavelhouse Bargain Success Story
Foxton trainer Suzy Gordon has enjoyed a good run of success in the tried horse market and has welcomed another well-performed newcomer to her stable.
20th SW for Shalaa – Sha of Gomer a History Maker
Woodside Park Stud’s Shalaa (IRE) added a 20th lifetime stakes-winner to his tally on Wednesday and he did it with Sha of Gomer, who created Australian racing history for husband-and-wife team of Jeff Dunn and Rikki Jamieson when they combined with the five year-old gelding to win the $200,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.
One to Watch – Newcastle
The O’Shea /Charlton stable have had a lot of success this season and pivotal to that have been the Kiwi breds in the stable highlighted by G1 winning 3YO’s Linebacker and Maison Louis and the dynamic duo unleashed a promising 2YO debut winner on Tuesday with the NZ suffix.
JRHA Foal Sale – Equinox Fever and Aussie Star Mares
The JRHA Select Sale continued on Tuesday with the prized foal session and while the sale-topper always looked an obvious one with the Equinox colt from Champion US Mare Midnight Bisou widely tipped to star, our Aussie bred mares still made their presence felt.
Sires With Winners - Monday July 14
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Century of Winners for McDougal
Corrina McDougal had to wait on a protest before earning her first training success, but on Sunday at Woodville, her 100th was never in doubt.
Brilliant Return for Record Priced Bivouac
Purchased for $675,000 at the Magic Millions from the Mill Park Stud draft by her trainer Ciaron Maher, talented two year-old filly Exit opened her account with a stylish win at Sandown on Wednesday.