The Year of the Monkey was waved in in emphatic fashion over the weekend by the China Horse Club’s international racing stable with successive winners in 24 hours across Singapore and Australia. Quality performer A La Victory swooped to a narrow but impressive win in Singapore on Friday evening before the Sydney based Clear Ripples saluted with a comfortable display at her second start back this preparation.
With January and February quiet months for the club with its stables in Ireland, England, France and China waiting for the flat racing seasons to begin and with many of its star performers and young stock in Australia and the United States yet to begin preparations, the duo have helped keep the club’s tally of winners rolling along.
A La Victory
For A La Victory it was win number six from only 16 career starts and further indication of his unquestionable ability. The hulking bay was last season in the G1 Longines Singapore Gold Cup when all chance of success was eliminated after he swallowed a series of clods of dirt sprayed at him by rivals racing immediately in front of him.
“It is fantastic to see A La Victory return so well. He was held up for several strides rounded the corner and early in the straight but lengthened well once into the clear and his win was deserved,” said Michael Wallace, China Horse Club Vice President (Racing and Bloodstock).
“There were several excuses for him in the Singapore Gold Cup and we know he is better than that and he showed that on his first run back this year. He is a quality animal who has a big year ahead of him. There is the G1 Singapore Derby, which has been a long term target, as well as any number of other notable races to consider with him. We see him as a pivotal member of our Singapore team and, along with Wimbledon, he will be instrumental in our fortunes there in 2016.”
Clear Ripples, No 8
Clear Ripples, a powerhouse mare by champion Australian sire Fastnet Rock, has only been raced sparingly to date but showed she has ability with a length and three-quarter length win in Kemble Grange on Saturday. The James Cummings trained mare was taken straight to the front by jockey Blake Spriggs and rated to great effect before slipping clear of a chasing pack early in the straight and widening her margin over them.
“That was an important win for Clear Ripples,” Wallace added. “It is important for mares to be winners and she has won well. It will also help her confidence in races and hopefully she can continue building upon her record before she becomes part of our breeding program.”
While A La Victory and Clear Ripples were enjoying much attention on social media within the China Horse Club’s members’ circles, two of the club’s heavyweight stars were having some of their final work before making much awaited returns to the racecourse.
Reigning NSW Horse of the Year First Seal and G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement galloped between races in Sydney ahead of expected returns to racing later this month. First Seal was sidelined from Melbourne’s Spring Carnival after requiring hoof surgery and is earmarked to make her return in the G2 Millie Fox Stakes at Randwick this Saturday while Press Statement has the G2 Hobartville Stakes on the same program as his kickoff.
First Seal
Press Statement
“[Trainer] John Thompson is very happy with First Seal and [trainer] Chris Waller] is very happy with Press Statement so our members can look forward to this coming weekend,” Wallace said.
“Horses of the caliber of First Seal and Press Statement come with weighty ambitions and there is a list of potential G1 targets for both of them over the upcoming Sydney Autumn Carnival and the Championships.
“I know from the feedback being received in China that there is great anticipation for their return and that is important. As a club we need to keep our members enjoying the sport and enjoying elite racing.”
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please contact Mr. Eden Harrington or Ms. Fu Peipei. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr. Eden HARRINGTON eden@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +65 93769968)
Ms. FU Peipei peipei@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +86 18600929029)