HKJC...
Proud day for Hong Kong as MILITARY ATTACK joins LUCKY NINE in Singapore G1 glory
19/05/2013
On an amazing night for Hong Kong racing, MILITARY ATTACK followed the lead of compatriot LUCKY NINE some 50 minutes earlier and slammed a top-class field of international rivals at Kranji Racecourse, Singapore (Sunday, 19 May) to give Hong Kong two overseas Group 1 wins on the same day for the first time.
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
was delighted with the performances of the Hong Kong horses on what was widely hailed as the best Singapore International Racing Festival ever staged in terms of the quality of the competitors.
“This was an incredible display of excellence and a proud day for all of Hong Kong; you could not ask for anything more,” he said. “It’s really validation of the terrific performances of Hong Kong horses on the world stage.”
MILITARY ATTACK’s victory in the G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) was one of added poignancy as it marked the first overseas Group 1 win for veteran Hong Kong trainer John Moore. And after saddling Irian to finish third two years ago and ZAIDAN to run second in 2012, the 63-year-old Australian pulled off a notable quinella as the ever game DAN EXCEL battled to an honourable runner-up finish.
“Mission accomplished,” said an emotional Moore. “This is the topping on the cake – I’ve been trying to do this for years. I’ve run second so many times and to win one, well it’s the pinnacle.
“It’s amazing, he’s just thrived – and to travel like that and come out and break two minutes, where do we go from here?” queried an elated Moore before mentioning that the G1 Cox Plate in Australia could be worth consideration.
“He came into the race with fabulous form and the jockey of the moment and he got a gun ride. He was following Pastorius and Pastorius didn’t go forward – he had to get out pretty quickly and make a run but the way he won was emphatic. It shows that the horse is seriously talented and another overseas run will be on the cards.”
Jockey Zac Purton settled MILITARY ATTACK three back on the fence, just behind stablemate DAN EXCEL. And when the field fanned out off the home turn, MILITARY ATTACK found clear running and quickly put the race to bed with his trademark burst of speed. With his rivals toiling behind, the Oratorio five-year-old stormed to a three and a quarter-lengths verdict over DAN EXCEL in a fast time of 1m 59.58s.
“I couldn’t believe it,” exclaimed Purton. “The race was run at a good tempo and I thought it might have been the undoing for my boy because the 2000m races he’s won, they’ve been softly-run races and he’s been able to beat them with his turn of foot. When they were going along I was thinking they might drag it out of him a little bit but I was able to save all the ground and when I’ve let him down his turn of foot was just amazing.
“I knew I’d put a big gap on them and if anything he’s wanted to wander out a little bit so I’ve had to get the whip out and just keep him going. When I had a look over my shoulder I was just thinking wow - I couldn’t believe how far I was in front. I then basically started idling him down and it’s incredible to think I’ve still won by three and a quarter. We had all the favours and all the right run but the horse still had to do it and he’s done a great job. The last 12 months have been phenomenal for me!”
DAN EXCEL, winner of the G1 Champions Mile only two weeks ago made certain that he played his part in Hong Kong’s big night as he held on gamely by a head from third-placed MAWINGO.
“He’s run his heart out,” said jockey Weichong Marwing of the second Moore trainee. “He’s finished second again, he’s the bridesmaid but it shows he’s very consistent. A better horse beat him but it’s a stable first and second and it’s a great result for Hong Kong.”
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges hailed the performances of the three horses on what was a stunning night of success.
“I was convinced after MILITARY ATTACK’s win in the APQEII Cup that he would be difficult to beat here,” he said. “DAN EXCEL exceeded my expectation because I wasn’t sure he would stay, and the performance of LUCKY NINE was outstanding; there were some doubts regarding the horse but when he turns up he is one of the best sprinters in the world. It’s a great night and there’s a lot of hard work that goes into a night like this behind the scenes in the stables.
“We are all thrilled for the connections of all three Hong Kong horses. You could feel the Hong Kong pride from many of the fans that travelled to Singapore and I am certain you could feel it back home.”
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges also paid tribute to the winning riders and the positive impact Hong Kong racing has had on their careers.
“If you look at the jockeys, Brett Prebble and Zac Purton, they are big race jockeys and know where they have to position the horse. Both have proven that riding in Hong Kong helps to produce tactically astute riders that are able to perform under pressure – they were top-class Australian jockeys and they have become top world-class jockeys.”
William A Nader, Executive Director of Racing of the HKJC, also praised the outstanding performance of HK team, “This emphasises the great tradition of outstanding Hong Kong sprinters, which is just one success story after another. LUCKY NINE came out of the gate running and took care of business with complete authority – he was very impressive; then to have MILITARY ATTACK win the SIA Cup so easily with DAN EXCEL second against a very good Group 1 field, absolutely sensational.”
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Awesome post race vids...
http://www.thoroughbrednews.com.au/i....aspx?id=66650