Moore adds Citibank HK Gold Cup to his Collection
HKJC Press Release
28-Feb-2010 |
Derby winner Collection blew away all doubts as to his fitness and earned a ticket to Dubai when he swept past a top class field to win the domestic Group 1 Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup over 2000m by a length and a quarter at Sha Tin Racecourse today.
However, members of the John Moore Trainer Syndicate which owns the horse were kept in suspense for more than five minutes while Jockey Club Racing Stewards listened to an objection from Belgian ace Christophe Soumillon, the jockey of second placed Thumbs Up, who fired an objection citing interference in the final 150m. The objection was eventually overruled.
Sent out as the top favourite in the HK$8 million event, Collection was a little slow to move and was taken to the rear of the field together with champion miler Good Ba Ba, who was attempting the 2000m for the first time in nearly four years, as Sight Winner set an even tempo up front with Packing Winner on his heels.
Jockey Darren Beadman only started his move halfway through the final turn and once into the straight Collection changed gears quickly, raced past the leaders and then hung in, causing some interference to Thumbs Up.
However, he was travelling too well at the time and stewards did not think the interference changed the result.
The consistent Mr Medici, who hit the front at the 200m, battled gamely to hold down third placing with Good Ba Ba, who had trailed Collection from the turn, finishing fourth.
"The horse had a nice run through the race and he was really enjoying the gallop," Beadman said.
"I wanted to let him be on his own for the first 100m. I knew they would go a little bit to the first corner trying to hold their positions and it was just a matter of trying to slot behind a certain horse at the time that was going to suit me and it worked out well."
"I was very confident as I knew the horse I was following in the run would take me well into the race. He wouldn't spin away from me or leave me flat footed so it was a matter of letting the horse get his confidence until well into the home straight and let him go through his gears gradually. When I asked him for an effort he got to the lead quite quickly," he added.
Beadman said the horse's attempt to cross over to the fence near the finish was not a worry for the future, adding "he's got outstanding ability."
Moore confirmed members of the Syndicate had given the green light for an overseas trip.
"We will just see how the horse pulls up to make sure there are no cuts or anything that may be a deciding factor to not go but congratulations to Darren, he knows the horse like his own sons and daughters, a great ride," Moore said.
"I am not going to forget the stable. They put a lot of work into getting him there because he hasn't got the best feet in the world like Viva Pataca. It was a team effort and we look forward to either Dubai or going on to the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup."
Moore said he had full confidence in the horse even before the race as Beadman reported the Happy Valley trial was "exemplary."
Moore also said he had forgiven the run of Viva Pataca who finished sixth because jockey Weichong Marwing reported he did not get the best of runs along the rails in the straight and could not get out as horses raced past him,
"For that reason I'll forgive him and we'll move on to the QE II Cup and the Champions & Chater Cup," he added.
Thumbs Up was once again gallant in defeat and could have finished closer but for the interference. His trainer, Danny Shum, also pointed to the APQE II Cup for the next run.
Trainer Peter Ho was full of praise for Mr Medici who keeps racing above his rating and finishing close to Group winners. He was also satisfied with the run of Packing Winner who finished fifth, picking up some valuable stake money. |
| |
| |
| |
| Back To News |
|
