A year after standing at Epsom’s cherished winners’ dais, the quartet of John Magnier (Coolmore), Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Teo Ah Khing (China Horse Club) will bid to defend their title in the world’s most famous horse race, the Investec Epsom Derby.
Hans Holbein
Hans Holbein will carry the hopes of the four high profile owners who came together for the first time when racing the 2014 Investec Epsom Derby champion Australia. The heady rise of Australia from unraced yearling in 2012 to Co-World Champion three-year-old in 2014 is difficult to quantify unless you are Magnier, Tabor, Smith or Teo it seems. The consistency with which the first three gentlemen race elite performers in Europe and North America is metronomic and a testament to the buying, training and racing system in place. Teo’s involvement in the sport has been much shorter but no less dramatic. Aside from Australia, he and the China Horse Club, which he founded and chairs, have enjoyed G1 success every year they have been racing since 2013 including competing with this seasons likely Australian Horse of the Year Dissident and this seasons likely Australian Champion three-Year-Old filly First Seal.
Hans Holbein is yet to establish himself at this level but tomorrow night’s ‘test of greatness’ will be his first opportunity. Epsom’s challenging layout has brought down many talented performers during its 234 year history. However, the strapping colt has progressed well from a maiden win in mid-April to a dominant win of the G3 Chester Vase in May to earn his place in the 12 strong field.
“It is thrilling to be able to come back to Epsom where we have so many cherished memories,” Teo said.
Australia
“Australia’s win last year made waves across China and, because of him, there is more interest in this sport. Hans Holbein is a different individual and we arrive without the pressures that came when Australia was favourite.
“We bought four yearlings in 2013 in the hope of making this day and to be here is a win in itself. The CHC will be hoping to make the Chinese proud once again and we hope they will support Hans Holbein this year like they supported Australia last year.”
Hans Holbein will be one of three performers for trainer Aidan O’Brien whose record in the Derby is growing more and more imposing all the time. The Irishman has five Epsom Derbies to his credit including the last three in succession with Camelot (2012), Ruler of The World (2013) and Australia (2014).
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)