Tropaios in France
Tropaios victorious today (copyright Singapore Turf Club)
The S$1 million Singapore Derby remains in the sights of the China Horse Club’s Tropaios after he saluted in emphatic fashion at only his second career run in the Asian racing centre.
The four-year-old gelding made the Revolte 2008 Stakes (1600m) his own under equal topweight of 59kg, racing away to win by a commanding length and a quarter. When asked post-race if Tropaios was a Derby prospect trainer Michael Freedman was unwavering in his assessment.
“I hope so,” Freedman said.
“This is the first venture for the China Horse Club into Singapore racing, they are potentially very big here and very big around the world.The idea [with Tropaios] was to have a horse for the Derby. He still has a bit of work to go but that was a step in the right direction.
“He was bought from the Arqana Arc Sale and was a listed winner in France before he came here. It was a query whether he would settle in but he is a horse who has thrived since being here.”
Tropaios is the first runner and first winner for the CHC in Singapore and the second winner for the Freedman family with brother Anthony saluting with Scarlet Moretta on debut in late April.
Tropaios is an important member of the CHC’s growing racing arm in Singapore which is an important hub for the organization. Only a five hour flight from China’s biggest cities, Singapore is a destination of choice for many of the club’s elite membership as well as being a world class thoroughbred racing jurisdiction.
The CHC’s growing support of Singapore racing is being reciprocated by the Singapore Turf Club which will be playing an integral role in the CHC’s inaugural China Equine Cultural Festival (CECF) later this year. The STC is one of a number of international bodies that will work alongside the CHC as it hosts the CECF.