With a narrow victory over Zac Purton in the fourth and final leg of the series, Ho amassed a total of 20 points to Purton's 18, with Australia's Rachel King and the locally based South African Lyle Hewitson on 16 points. King was declared outright third, with her victory in the first leg of the competition and an additional third-place finish in the finale trumping Hewitson's three minor placings.

To say it has been an eventful last four months in the life of Vincent Ho would be an understatement of monumental proportions. The 33-year-old graduate of the HKJC's Apprentice Jockeys' School, who is best known for his affiliation with three-time Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), announced his intentions to participate in the Shergar Cup at Ascot in August and was planning on riding at Goodwood as a warm-up as well. But he was seriously injured in a spill in late July when riding on a short-term stint at Niigata in Japan, resulting in a fractured vertebra, whiplash and a pneumothorax on his lung, Asian Racing Report wrote in August.

Despite the severity of the injuries, Ho was back in time for the third meeting of the new season in Hong Kong, only to be suspended in early October for 10 meetings for failing to sufficiently ride out his mount in a dead-heat victory, a penalty later cut to eight while being forced to pay a fine of HK$120,000 in lieu of the two extra dates. He returned to the saddle on Nov. 12 and still managed to book his spot in the IJC, in which he had finished alone in third in 2019 and a joint-third with fellow local rider Derek Leung last year.

But it was King, making her IJC debut, who struck first for Melbourne Cup-winning conditioner David Hall aboard 9-1 outsider Oversubscribed (Aus) (Reward For Effort {Aus}) (video), who–as reported by HKJC commentator Tom Wood–was making his fourth straight appearance in the Class 4 over the 1000 metres.

“He was probably the perfect start to riding here at Happy Valley,” said King, who narrowly missed winning this year's World Series Jockeys at Sapporo. “He's looked after me and did everything for me.”

Speaking after her third placing was confirmed, King added: “I think it was a good first effort. The atmosphere at Happy Valley is unbelievable and I really enjoyed it.”

Ryan Moore, a two-time IJC winner and three times its runner-up, had his best scoring chance in the second leg of the IJC and duly obliged aboard 8-5 favourite M Unicorn (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) for the training King of Happy Valley Caspar Fownes, spearing through from between rivals before proving a slashing winner (video). Moore was himself injured in a fall at Kyoto Nov. 19.

Leading Hong Kong jockey Zac Purton was downplaying his chances for a third IJC in the last four years prior to the event, but put himself into the reckoning with an inspired stalk-and-pounce ride aboard Silver Sonic (Aus) (Exosphere {Aus}) for Golden Sixty's trainer Francis Lui at odds just north of 8-1 (video).

Half of the 12 riders remained in with chances to varying degrees entering the IJC finale over 1200 metres. From an outside alley, Ho kicked the in-form David Hayes-trained Tomodachi Kokoroe (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}) straight into the lead, set a steady pace and just held off Purton's mount Kaholo Angel (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) to secure the victory (video).

The always humble Ho learned he'd won only during the post-race debrief with the HKJC's Nick Child.

“I was not aware [I had won] and I didn't even know about the points, I just kept riding every race to have a winning chance,” said Ho. “I felt the track today favoured the front-runners a little bit so that definitely helped and of course Mr Hayes' team did a great job and helped me win this.

“As the first homegrown of course I received plenty of support here and hopefully it will inspire more kids.”

Ho, whose two HKIR successes came aboard Golden Sixty in the Hong Kong Mile in 2020 and 2021, also rides Senor Toba (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) in the Hong Kong Vase and the progressive Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Cup, both for former boss Fownes.

Moore's 12 points was good for fifth place, Tom Marquand's best finish was a fourth in leg three and Hollie Doyle posted a pair of fifth-place finishes. Yuga Kawada, James McDonald, Bauyrzhan Murzabayev and Karis Teetan also failed to point.

That's one way to kick off the #IJC! @LONGINES | #IJC | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/Hs5LquPZBg

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 6, 2023

The post ‘Ho’-megrown Success In the Longines IJC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Hollie Doyle made IJC history in 2020, becoming the first woman to win a leg of the series when booting home favored Harmony N Blessed (Aus) (Magnus {Aus}) for trainer David Hayes. Her partner, Tom Marquand, got the evening off on a winning note Wednesday–also for the Hayes yard–producing $35 (5-2) favourite Awesome Treasure (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) from a handy spot in the nick of time to earn 12 points, while Purton set a searching gallop aboard Circuit Seven (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) before weakening late to third (video).

Doyle, who finished in a tie for third last year, was centrestage again in the IJC, putting $209 chance (19-1) Viva Hunter (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}) on the speed from gate 12 before just holding off a late dive from Purton and Glorious Lover (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) (video) in leg two. Ryan Moore was an unlucky third astride $3.90 pick Ai One (NZ) (Shocking {NZ}).

“I thought I had been headed home,” Doyle told the HKJC notes team. “[Winning] is just as good if not better [than last year]. It's good to have a crowd here, it lifts the atmosphere and I'm blessed to have had the luck I've had. It's very special to win against the world's best jockeys and it's a huge honour for Tom and I to be asked back here.”

INSIDE! @HollieDoyle1 gets it in a thriller! @LONGINES #IJC | #HKIR #HKracing pic.twitter.com/jcqYQpR3Le

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2021

James McDonald has been in cracking form in Australia over the past month, riding no fewer than 10 winners during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, including the big race aboard Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}). The New Zealander, second when making his IJC debut in 2011 and third in 2014, tossed his hat into the ring in Wednesday's third leg, coming from what appeared to be a hopeless position at the midway point of the extended-mile race before knifing through late with 8-1 Invincible Missile (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) to just touch off Purton and Amazing Plus One (Ire) (Shamardal) in another rousing finish (video).

There were as many as seven chances entering the fourth and final leg of the championship, but none of the leading lights managed to strike a decisive blow, as Elon (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) came with a stinging rally from the back of the pack beneath Mickael Barzalona to post a 12-1 upset (video). It was Purton yet again on the losing end of a photo, but his runner-up effort secured the IJC on 22 points. Marquand, Doyle, McDonald and Barzalona finished in a tie for second place on 12 points.

“I came here a little bit worried about the quality of horses I was riding and knew that I was going to need things go my way and luckily I was able to get some nice runs on them and give them their chances,” Purton said. “It was a bit frustrating I kept getting beaten in those photos, but I suppose that makes for good racing and a good competition. The points added up, it's very satisfying.”

Hayes took home an HK$200,000 bonus as leading IJC trainer for his victory with Awesome Treasure and a pair of thirds to finish with 20 points, eight clear of a group of four fellow trainers on 12 points.

Your 2021 @LONGINES #IJC champion, @zpurton! #HKIR #HKracing pic.twitter.com/EfV8M4YHGE

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2021

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Crushed at the tills into $12 (1-5) favourtism to build on a smashing debut effort Sept. 5, Nervous Witness (Aus) (Star Witness {Aus}) absorbed plenty of mid-race heat, but responded to that challenge to annex a Class 3 event over the Sha Tin straight 1000 metres by 3 3/4 lengths, becoming the second Hong Kong 'TDN Rising Star' Friday afternoon.

Drawn high towards the stands'-side rail, Nervous Witness was away alertly, but was pressed to his outside by Brilliant Fortune (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), with a sectional time from the 800m to the 400m mark clocked in a wicked :19.92. Anything other than a superiour animal would be knocked around by that sort of tempo through the middle stages, but Zac Purton sat fairly quietly against him, asked his mount to win the race 250m out and kicked home to score with a minimum of fuss, getting his final quarter-mile in :22.37 (video). The final overall time of :55.24 was just 0.28 seconds slower than that recorded by his David Hayes stablemate Super Wealthy (Aus) (Epaulette {Aus}) in the G3 National Day Cup H. three races later.

Nervous Witness was the third of four winners on the day for the Hayes yard, taking him to 12 at this early stage of the season, while Super Wealthy rang up his 500th Hong Kong winner.

He's special, Nervous Witness!

The four-year-old scores with utter arrogance once again for @zpurton & @lindsayparkrace. #HKracing pic.twitter.com/CwxzrJSFL5

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) October 1, 2021

“[Zac] said he's a Group 1 horse, he said he got put under a lot of pressure from Joao Moreira, he said he just served it to him,” Hayes told the HKJC notes team. “You'd prefer him not to have that pressure but it's nice to see how he responded. He responded like a proper horse.”

Added Purton: They just don't do what he just did–it was special. He got it put to him today and he had to find and he didn't just find, he put them away.”

Nervous Witness, who races in the colours of the legendary sprinter Silent Witness (Aus), is the second foal from Hadiklaim who was acquired for A$2,000 at the 2015 Inglis Broodmare & Weanling Sale. Nervous Witness's 3-year-old half-brother Imatruestar (Aus) (Star Turn {Aus}) was a maiden winner at Grafton Aug. 30 and the mare–who hails from the female family of GI Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell (Proud Citizen)–is also responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Supido (Aus).

The first 'TDN Rising Star' based in Hong Kong was fan favourite Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal), whose five victories included the G1 QE II Cup and G1 Champions and Chater Cup.

5th-Sha Tin, HK$1,570,000 (£148,714/€173,895/A$277,522/US$201,664), Hcp. (C3), 1000mT, :55.24, gd.
NERVOUS WITNESS (AUS), 121, g, 4, by Star Witness
1st Dam: Hadiklaim (Aus), by War Pass
2nd Dam: Sticky Date (Aus), by Danehill
3rd Dam: Puddinhead, by Affirmed
Sales history: A$110,000 Ylg '19 INGFEB. O-Arthur Antonio da Silva, Betty da Silva & Teresa Marie da Silva; B-Byerley Trading Pty Ltd (NSW); T-David Hayes. Click for the HKJC.com chart and VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

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GK: Congratulations on putting together such a strong catalogue. It must be an extremely exciting time on the Gold Coast.

BB: We are obviously thrilled with the catalogue we've put together. It's been built around the earlier announcement of the Shadwell Australia dispersal and we are delighted to offer those horses. It's a big two weeks for us here on the Gold Coast. There's a great buzz in Australian racing at the moment, and we are looking forward to the sale starting. (Click here to view the complete catalogue.)

GK: Melody Belle and Arcadia Queen (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) are obviously two standouts. You must be particularly pleased to have these two in the lineup?

BB: They are two bespoke opportunities for breeders all over the world. They are prospects that will suit any broodmare band, on any farm, and are truly elite. I'd say they are the two best mares that have gone to market in Australia in a long, long time and that's saying something.

Melody Belle is a 14-time Group 1 winner and both her and Arcadia Queen are champion mares. We are looking forward to having them here on the complex come Saturday, and we'd like to think they will create interest from all over the world.

GK: As you mentioned, Melody Belle is a 14-time Group 1 winner, which is pretty remarkable. She's the rarest of rare jewels.

BB: To New Zealanders, and here in Australia as well, she's something very, very special. She's got a phenomenal race record; an outstanding 2-year-old that trained on, 14 Group 1 wins, with dominant wins along the way. She's a great physical on top of all that, which makes her a collector's item. She will be very well sought-after and deservedly so.

GK: Australaisan mares have appeal all over the world. Do you expect international buyers to be active next week?

BB: You would expect the global attention on this sale should only go from strength to strength. When you have the likes of Coolmore buying mares like Believe'N'Succeed (Aus) [purchased for A$1.1 million in foal to Street Cry in 2014] that have thrown Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who won the G1 Epsom Derby in 2019.

Stonestreet's Barbara Banke and John Moynihan have had huge success, firstly buying Miracles Of Life (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) going on to win a Group 1 after they bought her. And the likes of Bounding (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}), who they took home, put in foal to Curlin, and got huge rewards with a $4.1 million yearling at Keeneland. That's something you can only dream of, and the ring here at the Gold Coast provides those opportunities.

We are marketing our catalogue all over the world as we think it deserves global attention. The selection we have put in place and the mares we have from top to bottom are fantastic. I think there are opportunities from global players all the way through.

GK: Apart from the headliners, could you highlight a few other mares that would have particular international interest?

BB: Taste of Heaven (Aus) as Lot 1369 in our supplementaries will create attention. She's a half-sister to Redoute's Choice (Aus) by Encosta de Lago (Aus), and she's already thrown a group winner in North America in Heavenly Curlin. She's in foal to I Am Invincible. She ticks every box you could possibly find. We sold her here as part of the Teeley Dispersal in 2014 and it will be great to have her back on the complex over the weekend.

Obviously, the Shadwell Australia dispersal will appeal as well. Qafila (Aus) as Lot 815 being a Not A Single Doubt (Aus) mare, with a big international pedigree. She's a Group 1 winner, a very good 2-year-old to go with it, and in foal to Dundeel (NZ). Those sort of mares demand international attention from all the big names. She's got a pedigree that will suit all the major breeders.

But we have mares all through the catalogue. The Australian product stands up all over the world and I would hate to be pinpointing particular mares. From Lot 501 when she walks into the ring through to the 1300s there's international appeal the whole way through.

GK: The Australian racing/breeding industry is the envy of the world in many respects. The local industry appears to be in rude health. Would you agree?

BB: The local market is very strong here at the moment, and the sales have been buoyant. It's an industry that has a great culture behind it. We have survived COVID quite well here in Australia. Racing and prize money indicators continue to grow, and engagement in the sport here is fantastic.

A lot of syndicators get involved at the yearling end which really drives up demand. The breeders have plenty of money in their pockets. So, you would expect the demand from the local industry should be there given the fact that they have had a fruitful year.

GK: You referenced the Shadwell dispersal a little earlier. It's extremely poignant but also offers breeders a remarkable opportunity. Could you reflect a little on the Shadwell's draft presented by Yarraman Park?

BB: The Shadwell dispersal is something that's very rare. You get one a decade as far as I'm concerned, and we are extremely pleased to have the horses here.

What Angus Gold has achieved on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan is extraordinary. The Magic Millions relationship with Sheikh Hamdan and the team at Shadwell will complete a full circle with their first Australian purchase, Group 1 Blue Diamond heroine Mahaasin (Aus) bought on the Gold Coast in 1989, all the way through to Qafila. The number of Blue Diamonds that they have won, and placed in, is something no one else has on their CV.

One thing you can be assured of is that when Angus Gold came out here to buy yearlings for Sheikh Hamdan, he did so with great diligence. He bought the very best physicals he could find, they were always very well-managed and very well-raised. Whether they be at Yarraman Park or in the Hayes stable, they were given every opportunity.

But it's the fruits that remain in the future, and the buyers of these horses are the ones that will be the winners. There's a lot of blue sky ahead of them.

You only have to look at the Shadwell-bred yearlings that sold earlier this year. They sold fantastically well, and have gone to all the good stables. You would expect the weanlings selling over the next few days will be bought by some outstanding judges, and the mares will be given every opportunity.

I think the job that Harry and Arthur Mitchell have done at Yarraman Park to get these horses up here, looking fantastic and perfectly presented should be acknowledged. They deserve to sell exceptionally well.

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Enrich Delight (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) will try to give his sire back-to-back winners of the Classic Mile, following on the success of Golden Sixty (Aus) last year, and has done little wrong in two Class 2 appearances over 1400 metres. A maiden winner and Group 3-placed for Anthony Freedman in Australia while racing as Chenier (Aus), the bay overcame a troubled trip to score on debut Nov. 29 and, after missing an intended start Dec. 13, finished a close, but luckless third, Jan. 10. Enrich Delight has the services of two-time Classic Mile-winning jockey Christophe Soumillon.

Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) is the selection of Joao Moreira and won his first three starts of this term, including a defeat of Lucky Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) in a Class 1 over course and distance Nov. 29 and was a latest second to the reliable Champion's Way (Aus) (Hinchinbrook {Aus}) in open Group 3 company Jan. 1 after sitting a far inferior trip.

David Hayes sent out two Classic Mile winners during his previous stint in Hong Kong and tightens the girth around three runners Sunday. Shadow Hero (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}), whose sire accounted for 2019 winner Furore (NZ), was trained by Hayes to victories in the 2019 G1 Spring Champion S. and 2020 G1 Randwick Guineas, and hasn't been a true factor in two local runs after slow starts. To that end, Hayes is removing the blinkers and adding cheek pieces to the gelding, who ran on strongly to be third behind Tourbillon Diamond (Aus) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) Dec. 13. Zac Purton retains the ride.

The latter was well-tried in Australia for trainer Stuart Kendrick and closed out the 'Eric the Eel' portion of his career with a third in the G1 Australian Derby last April. His two local appearances for Danny Shum have been very promising, first storming home to be third behind Enrich Delight at 70-1 Nov. 29 before weaving through heavy traffic to be late on the scene last time.

Lucky Express has been in the top three in six of his eight Hong Kong starts and was a last-out third off a three-wide, no-cover trip over track and distance Jan. 1. He has place claims at rough odds.

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Hayes famously sent Fields Of Omagh into retirement after the 9-year-old snared Australia's premier G1 weight-for-age contest – the Cox Plate – at Moonee Valley in 2006 to cap his career in a blaze of glory.

The comparisons to Beauty Generation, twice Hong Kong Horse of the Year, are not lost on Hayes, who inherited the decorated 8-year-old after John Moore's retirement last year.

In two runs for Hayes, the 2017 and 2018 Hong Kong Mile winner has had his colors lowered by Hong Kong's boom galloper Golden Sixty, dead-heated for second in the G3 Celebration Cup (1400m, seven furlongs) before running sixth in the G2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m, one mile).

Fields Of Omagh had won just one of 12 starts before tackling – and conquering – the Cox Plate for a second victory. Hayes took over the gelding from Tony McEvoy after returning to Australia from Hong Kong in 2005.

Hayes retains faith Beauty Generation can revive the uplifting memories of Fields Of Omagh's farewell performance.

“It would be wonderful to win with him, especially if you could resurrect an old champion like Beauty Generation,” Hayes said after the gelding cantered on the inner track at Sha Tin on Thursday.

“He reminds me – and he's more high-profile – of an old Fields Of Omagh going into his last Cox Plate, doing everything right but overlooked and under-rated by the market.

“This horse is going to start well overs which is quite ironic because up until the last 12 months, he's been favorite in everything he's raced in.

“The guy who rides him, Romain (Clavreul), who has ridden him all his life, says he feels as good as ever, which is really encouraging.

“We've taken a fresh approach. We elected not to give him a lead-up race or a trial. He's just had three nice gallops on the course proper over the last month and I'm really happy with his level of fitness and he looks fantastic.”

Beauty Generation finished third in last year's Hong Kong Mile behind Japan's Admire Mars, who returns to defend his crown.

Hayes said a decision on Beauty Generation's future would not necessarily hinge on Sunday's performance.

“If he runs competitive, he'll certainly keep racing on,” he said.

“If he disappointed, it (retirement) would be considered, but I would think they would love to run him in the 1400m G1 (the Queens Silver Jubilee Cup) that he won last year – his last win.

“But if he's racing well, I can't see any reason why he wouldn't keep going.”

Beauty Generation will start from barrier three under Zac Purton as he attempts to match Good Ba Ba's feat (2007-09) of winning the Mile three times.

The post ‘Resurrect An Old Champion’: Beauty Generation Chasing Third Hong Kong Mile Victory appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Tied with Moreira on 18 points heading into the deciding race of the contest, Purton collected an invaluable two after dead-heating for third aboard Flying Bonus with Wind N Grass (Tom Marquand).

Moreira, who needed to finish ahead of Purton in the championship-deciding contest to add another accolade to his bulging collection, crossed the line in sixth place on Cue The Music, failing to improve his score.

On a landmark evening when Hollie Doyle became the first woman in history to win a leg of the of International Jockeys' Championship on David Hayes' Harmony N Blessed, Purton totaled 20 points under the 12-6-4 point format to deny Moreira (18).

Doyle and Alexis Badel were tied for third with 12 points each after Badel's victory on Gallant Crown.

Hong Kong's reigning champion jockey, Purton posted a treble at the meeting while also earning HK$500,000 (about US$65,000) – the richest prize in racing for competition of this type – as LONGINES IJC champion.

Tony Millard pocketed the HK$200,000 (US$25,800) bonus as the most successful trainer of the series after notching a double with Gallant Crown and Gift Of Lifeline in the third leg, who was ridden by Purton in the pair's first successful collaboration since 2015.

Now a two-time champion after success in 2017, Purton was elated with the timely success ahead of the prestige LONGINES Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin on Sunday, Dec. 13.

“In a competition like this when there's so much on the line, it certainly feels nice to have won it again, it's another moment that I'll cherish,” he said.

“I didn't start off too well but we built into it after that. Like I've been saying for quite some time now, barriers win races and unfortunately for me it seems have been going on for months.

“I've been drawing such bad barriers, every meeting, it's making so difficult to be competitive.

“Then I come here tonight and, as I said, they weren't the best rides in the race but the barriers gave them the chance to be competitive. I just needed a bit of luck and things went my way.”

Moreira set the early tone with a measured ride on Gouten Of Garo in the opening race of the contest, logging maximum points in the Class 4 contest for trainer David Ferraris.

“This horse actually surprised all of us,” Moreira said. “On paper, he didn't look like he was much of a chance.

“But David has done his job very well and he sent his horse out in great shape and he just delivered what he has got best.

“Up in class, we were not that confident. But I am pleased to be wrong.”

Badel was chuffed to land the second leg for Millard with Gallant Crown, who staved off Fearless Fire (Purton) and Maldives (Pierre-Charles Boudot).

“I'm glad to win for him (Millard), he's been a great supporter so far all this season and I'm glad he had such an important win tonight,” said the Frenchman, who is relishing his third stint based in Hong Kong.

“He (Gallant Crown) is a very good horse to pick up, he showed 1650 (meters) was perfect for him.”

Purton thrust his way into contention with a clinical display on Gift Of Lifeline in the third leg, prevailing in his first ride for Millard since June of 2017.

Moreira claimed a vital six points by finishing second on Smiling City for a share of the lead ahead of the finale as defending champion Karis Teetan earned four points with third placing on Helene Wisdom Star.

Hollie Doyle drives Harmony N Blessed to victory in the final leg of the IJC.

Doyle, only the third woman to contest the International Jockeys' Championship after Emma-Jayne Wilson (2007) and Chantal Sutherland (2009), delivered strongly supported Harmony N Blessed – but much of the focus was on the action behind her as Purton and Moreira dueled to the line.

“It's amazing,” Doyle said. “It's just great to be here and it's the icing on the cake.

“He's a very, big strong horse. I think he's got a good future ahead of him.”

The 12 jockeys involved in the contest – six from Hong Kong and six from Great Britain and Europe – all praised the Hong Kong Jockey Club's balanced ride allocation.

The system was devised by Australian expert form analyst Dominic Beirne.

“There have been a lot of good story lines out of tonight and I think the new system gave a lot of jockeys in the room a bit of confidence,” Purton said. “I could feel the enthusiasm in the room and everyone was keen to go out there and give themselves a chance.

“Hollie winning a race was another highlight and Tony winning the trainers' bonus and me being able to seal it for him. Hopefully we broke ice there and we can put our long run of outs behind us and just get on with business.”

On a glorious evening for Purton, he posted his 1200th win in Hong Kong after saluting on Run The Table in the Class 5 Australia Handicap and Speedy Optimist in the Class 5 Brazil Handicap, although he had to share honors in the latter after a dead-heat with Frenchman Alexis Badel aboard Great Harvest.

Purton is only the second jockey to reach the 1200-win milestone in Hong Kong. Record-holder Douglas Whyte (1813) is the other.

A four-time winner of the Hong Kong jockeys' championship, Purton rode his first winner in the jurisdiction in 2007.

Racing continues on Sunday with the glittering LONGINES Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.

The post Zac Purton Claims International Jockeys’ Championship; Hollie Doyle First Woman To Win IJC Race appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Settled worse than midfield behind a moderate tempo, Golden Sixty was patiently handled on the turn, but was eased out into the clear with a bit more than 400 metres to race. Champion’s Way, who sat a nice inside trip for Joao Moreira, was sent into the lead in upper stretch, but Golden Sixty’s turn of foot proved decisive, as he rolled past an on to a convincing victory. Beauty Generation also traveled inside and was short of room at the furlong marker, but boxed on gamely to earn the dead-heat for second.

“It’s very exciting to be back on him [Golden Sixty], he felt great and fresh today–once I got a clear run I knew he’d run them down,” winning jockey Vincent Ho said. “I think he is one of the best horses in Hong Kong at the moment.”

Winning conditioner Francis Lui is considering Golden Sixty for either the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile or G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) come December.

David Hayes, who has taken over the training of Beauty Generation with the departure of John Moore, was pleased enough with what he saw on the track.

“We knew it was always going to be a big ask to give a young champion like Golden Sixty so much weight, but I thought Beauty Generation would have finished a clear second with a better run and I’m very happy with the way he went,” Hayes said.

Pedigree Notes:

Golden Sixty is bred on the cross of Medaglia d’Oro over sire sons of Forty Niner which has yielded the likes of US Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (out of a daughter of Roar), champion Songbird and other 10-furlong Grade I winners Elate and New Money Honey (each o/o a Distorted Humor dam). His deeper female family includes the likes of champions Bosra Sham and Hector Protector and MG1/GISW Ciro.

Gaudeamus is the dam of a 3-year-old colt by Choisir (Aus), and a yearling filly by G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Capitalist (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}). She was most recently bred to Trapeze Artist (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) on a Nov. 18 cover date.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
CELEBRATION CUP H.-G3, HK$3,500,000 (A$642,413/£354,438/
€388,175/US$451,616), Sha Tin, 9-27, 3yo/up, 1400mT, 1:20.54, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 116, g, 5, by Medaglia d’Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo’s Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg ’17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo ’17 NZBRTR).
O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld);
T-Francis Lui; J-Vincent Ho; HK$1,995,000. Lifetime Record: Ch.
4yo-HK, 12-11-0-0, HK$33,465,600. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus)
(Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus, $120,093. Werk Nick Rating: A+++
*Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
(DH)-2–Beauty Generation (NZ), 133, g, 8, Road to Rock (Aus)–
Stylish Bel (Aus), by Bel Esprit (Aus). (NZ$60,000 Ylg ’14
NZBJAN). O-Patrick Kwok Ho Chuen; B-Nearco Stud Ltd;
T-David Hayes; J-Zac Purton; HK$586,250.
(DH)-2–Champion’s Way (Aus), 115, g, 5, Hinchinbrook (Aus)–
Greta’s Yarn (Aus), by Redoute’s Choice (Aus). (A$150,000 Ylg
’17 INGFEB). O-Dr & Mrs Arthur Leung, Elaine Leung & Angela
Leung; B-G Bunt (NSW); T-John Size; J-Joao Moreira;
HK$586,250.
Margins: 1 3/4, (DH), 3/4. Odds: 0.80, (3.90, 7.80).
Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

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