A strapping bay gelding named to inspire athletic endeavour lived up to the task he was purchased for when posting an explosive win on debut in Singapore yesterday. A La Victory, one of several Singaporean based runners named to encourage Chinese, and Chinese athletes in particular, left little doubt he is capable of greater honours and further inspiring feats when dominating more seasoned rivals under the care of jockey Joao Moreira.
“The China Horse Club has many goals, one of which is to promote excellence and to encourage achievement,” said CHC Chairman Mr. Teo Ah Khing.
“It is our small contribution to a much greater cause. We named a select batch of young horses with this goal in mind. People have already seen Wimbledon, which is named to help inspire the first Chinese winner of tennis’ most famous tournament, and there are a few still to make their debut. The success with Wimbledon and A La Victory is a great way to start.”
Wimbledon saluted in late July when posting a determined win at only his third career start. A La Victory made it two for two for ‘Team Inspiration’. The three-year-old began brilliantly to settle on the lead and was always in a commanding position as Moreira carried him through his first race test with the poise one expects of a champion rider. Once turning the home corner and then balanced up, A La Victory was shaken into top gear and raced away before Moreira allowed him to coast to the line over the final 20m.
It was the first time Moreira has ridden in the CHC’s ‘China colours’ in Singapore and the first time he has donned the red silks with gold stars since his success aboard the Irish bred Surrealist in the RMB800,000 France Galop Gold Cup (2000m) at the 2013 China Equine Cultural Event in Hohhot last year.
“It was fantastic to be able to support Joao as he builds for the new season in Hong Kong. He is a good friend of the China Horse Club and his support to us last year was much appreciated,” Mr Teo added.
“Joao is an exceptional rider and a humble man. We do not have too many opportunities to work with him but when we do it seems to be a successful partnership.”
The win of A La Victory came a day after promising filly First Seal was a game second on very heavy (very wet) ground in Sydney. The John Thompson trained performer ran her heart out once again but was simply unable to unleash her finishing burst on an unsuitable racing surface. Trainer John Thompson was far from disappointed in her effort. The CHC trainer also outlined that the undefeated winner Sweynesse should be respected when suggesting that it could be a case of “a good colt beating a good filly”. First Seal remains on track for her spring goal of the G1 Flight Stakes while the winner has been singled out for G1 company as well.