A horse named to inspire a generation posted a commanding win at only his third career start in Singapore this evening. Wimbledon, the first of a series of racehorses named to inspire not only China next generation of athletes but the population at large, lived up to his role when overcoming challenges to secure an important victory.
Wimbledon
In the coming months stablemates A La Victory and Victory Command, who have been named for the same purpose, are expected to debut in Singapore as well.
“The China Horse Club wants to inspire people, especially young people and so we are selectively naming some of our horses after events, people, places or phrases that are inspirational. Wimbledon is the first of these horses,” said the CHC’s Chairman, Mr Teo Ah Khing.
“All of China was so proud of Li Na’s success at the French Open a few years ago and at the Australia Open earlier this year that we wanted to provide a new target, a new challenge. Wimbledon is the world’s most famous tennis tournament and it would be fantastic for the Chinese to win one day. Li Na may be the first and it would be fantastic if she was but it could be another. China has so many talented athletes anything is possible. We want to play a small role in helping remind people to aspire, to believe and to chase their dreams.”
Running in the CHC’s red colours with yellow stars, Wimbledon was always prominent in the 1200m contest on the polytrack surface and overcame his own difficulties to win. The determined colt can now lay claim to having posted a win, a second and a third from only three career starts.
“We only found out after the race that Wimbledon got his tongue over the bit in his mouth,” Mr Teo continued.
“That means that his tongue may have been blocking his airways and limiting his oxygen flow. But true to his name and true to his role as a force of inspiration he overcame this to win.”
Wimbledon is the fourth individual winner for the CHC in Singapore after Tropaios, Rite of Spring and Arrowhead.
