Olympic Anthem becomes the fifth individual winner for the CHC when winning on debut
He was green, he was debuting but he carried the red and yellow with aplomb when driving to the line in a tight but decisive win. Olympic Anthem, one of the China Horse Club’s 2012 purchases, franked the early promise he has shown in barrier trials when saluting in the LED Superscreens QTIS Handicap (1110m) at Doomben in Queensland, Australia today.
The chestnut gelding became the fifth international runner for the China Horse Club and its fifth individual winner joining a list that includes Scarlet Moretta (Australia), Tropaios (Singapore), Tabreed (United States) and Ming Zhi Cosmos (France).
“When the cards were on the table he stepped up and delivered,” trained Robert Heathcote enthused.”
“This is a quality horse. While he did a lot wrong he was able to overcome it. He beat a filly in Grey Countess who is already a Saturday winner and who has considerable experience. It was a great effort. It is never easy to win first time out.”
Olympic Anthem eased out of an early speed duel to settle behind the leaders and showed his lack of race craft when wobbling around the home corner and bumping the above mentioned Grey Countess. Once in the straight and with jockey Paul Hammersley focusing his attention, Olympic Anthem produced a determined finish to collar his rivals and score by a tight but clear margin.
Olympic Anthem, a member of the CHC’s Beijing Olympic Syndicate, has been taken along patiently by Heathcote who has always held the son of Starcraft in high esteem. The gelding has appreciated this approach and flourished under this tutelage. Another exciting career looks to have begun.