Archangel Rapheal at the finishing line
China’s Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend couldn’t have finished on a more fruitful note with China Horse Club members celebrating a fourth winner in four days. The success of Archangel Raphael in Ireland overnight rounded out a wonderful few days for members who celebrated success on Friday, Sunday and again on Monday.
In all, five racehorses were sent out for international competition and members were rewarded with four wins and a second (touched out in a photo finish from making it five from five).
“These are weekends our members certainly enjoy,” said Eden Harrington, General Manager for the China Horse Club.
“Our club is designed to create experiences, unique and exciting experiences for our members. Winning races around the world is tremendously exciting and ensure the experiences we create are truly memorable.
“All credit goes to our respective trainers around the world and the teams behind them. We had success in Australia, France, Italy and Ireland. Our members are delighted and we are naturally delighted as well.”
Archangel Raphael is one of four colts the CHC owns in partnership with IAC Member John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith – a trio of owners the CHC is sharing a wonderful journey with thanks to the racetrack deeds of outstanding colt Australia.
Archangel Raphael was having only his second career start and made amends for his narrow debut second when finishing resolutely from midfield at Ireland’ Gowran Park at Galwey to score by two lengths over 1700m.
The two-year-old colt is the first of the quartet of jointly owned colts to debut, all are in the care of champion trainer Aidan O’Brien who this week is expected to roll out stable star Australia in the G1 Qipco Irish Champion Stakes – Ireland’s premier race for older horses. The event is certain to attract a who’s who of racehorses and international figures as the racing world descends onto Leopardstown racecourse to the south of Dublin.
Australia, currently rated the third best horse in the world, will be bidding for his fourth G1 victory and his sixth win in only eight career starts.