It was a collective flexing of equine muscle for China Horse Club and its partners after a quartet of performers in the red and yellow silks all surged to significant wins across both hemispheres.
Imposing colt Attack set the tone for CHC, Qatar Racing and David Howden when closing hard to score at Epsom Downs (UK) on Friday. The following day boom colt Mayfair and the regally bred Llanddwyn carried the baton forward with wins two and three at Rosehill Gardens (Australia). Coastguard then played his role with equal intent on Sunday when comfortably atoning for rivals at Hawkesbury (Australia).
“It was a strong win from Attack and very pleasing to see the manner of his win, Epsom is a tricky track,” said Matt Houldsworth, China Horse Club’s European Representative.
“I think Attack is a horse that going to benefit from racing and a step up in trip. He has the talent to go through the grades quite quickly if he stays fit and healthy.”
Mayfair as a yearling
Rising through the grades also beckons Mayfair who drew parallels with former CHC colour bearer, G1 winner and promising stallion In The Congo after rolling along in front and proving too strong for rivals.
“We will give Mayfair seven days off, exactly the same as what we did with In The Congo,” said part-owner Henry Field.
“He is a late maturing type of two-year-old colt. We will then go to a race like the G3 Up And Coming Stakes and then to the G1 Golden Rose if we get there.”
Champion jockey James McDonald holds an opinion of Mayfair as well, saying post-race: “[Mayfair] got into a beautiful rhythm, he was bowling along nicely in front and out-toughed them late. He is still learning his craft and he got there on sheer ability today. He is a nice colt.”
Four races later on the same programme, CHC bred Llanddwyn was ridden conservatively early before closing hard from last to win by almost two lengths in what was her second win for the month.
Llanddwyn
“Llanddwyn has built a competitive record of three wins and three placings from 11 starts. She has come a long way in her three-year-old year,” said champion trainer Chris Waller said.
“She has continued to take steps and here we are in the middle of winter, running for really good prizemoney. This filly has done a great job for Sir Owen Glenn, China Horse Club and the team.”