| Hong Kong’s superstar sprinter Wellington has proven himself one of the world’s best with a brilliant win in today’s Group One Hong Kong International Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin. |
| The son of All Too Hard led home a Magic Millions sold quinella result in the feature short course race – beating home Sight Success with a powerful burst in the straight. It was the fourth win at Group One level for Wellington – a star for trainer Richard Gibson. Gibson praised the large team around Wellington after he pulled up lame from his last run and getting him back to his best today. “It’s been a huge team effort to get him here today and to win,” Gibson said. “We really wanted to win this race for Hong Kong and the owners.” “It’s fantastic for Hong Kong racing that we have horses of this ability and of course it’s wonderful to call on the expertise of Ryan (Moore) whose execution once again we all take for granted.” Champion European jockey Ryan Moore was aboard Wellington today for the first time. He deputised for regular rider Alexis Badel who is on the sidelines injured after a nasty fall last month. “He’s a very good horse,” Moore said moment after the win. “I’m obviously very fortunate to get the ride – poor Alexis has had the bad luck and not been here today.” “He’s a horse that’s proven at the top level – it’s his fourth Group One (won) now.” “The pace was steady early. We were able to get a nice bit of cover, just back from midfield. We moved into the race comfortable – I got to the front too early to be honest, but he’s a talented horse and a pleasure to ride.” Bred by Kia Ora Stud in partnership with David Paradise and Steve McCann, Wellington was sold through the Kia Ora draft at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $70,000. The O’Brien family’s Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm was the successful buyer and he was educated through his early days in Victoria at Corinella before spending time with trainer John McArdle. Wellington, by All Too Hard, is the clear best performer of three winners produced by his dam Mihiri. A group placegetter when third in a Breeders’ Classic in Sydney, Mihiri (More Than Ready) hails from a strong international family – including Irish Oaks winner and superstar producer Moonstone. While Wellington stole the show in the International Sprint, the effort of runner-up Sight Success (Magnus-Tarp) was outstanding. Sight Success was a $45,000 Perth Yearling Sale purchase in 2018 for Price Bloodstock from the draft of Dawson Stud. Dawson Stud will present a half brother by Long Leaf at next year’s 2023 Perth Yearling Sale. Winner: Wellington Breeding: All Too Hard-Mihiri (More Than Ready) Breeder: Kia Ora Stud, David Paradise & Steve McCann Race: HKJC Hong Kong International Sprint G1 (1200m) Sold for: $70,000 Sale: 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Kia Ora Stud Buyer: Lauriston T’bred Farm Earnings: HK$56,586,190 (approx A$10.69 million) Owner(s): Mr & Mrs Michael Cheng Wing On & Jeffrey Cheng Man Cheong Trainer: Richard Gibson |
