Tag: Hong Kong Mile

Beauty Generation Retired

Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}–Stylish Bel {Aus}, by Bel Esprit {Aus}), a two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year and only horse to surpass the HK$100 mark in career earnings, has been retired after his fifth in Sunday’s G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. He will live out his days at Living Legends in Victoria, Australia, alongside other Hong Kong retirees Silent Witness (Aus), Mr Stunning (Aus) and California Memory, among others.

Bred by Nearco Stud Ltd., Beauty Generation was purchased for NZ$60,000 by Kylie Bax’s Hermes Syndications from the Highden Park draft at the NZB National Yearling Sale in 2014 and was sent to race in Australia. Trained by Anthony Cummings as Montaigne, the bay gelding won two of seven starts, including a runner-up effort in the G1 Rosehill Guineas, prior to his purchase by the Kwok Family.

Prepared in Hong Kong by John Moore, Beauty Generation was third to his late stablemate Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss) in the 2017 BMW Hong Kong Derby and set (and still holds) a track record for 2200 metres, but was reinvented as a 1400-1600m horse for the 2017-2018 season. He carried Derek Leung to a 15-2 upset in the 2017 G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile and Zac Purton was in the irons when wiring the field in the 2018 G1 Champions Mile.

The latter race was the start of an 18-month stretch where nothing could come close to Beauty Generation. In that time he amassed 10 consecutive wins, going back-to-back in the Hong Kong Mile (see below) and the Champions Mile and he peaked on a domestic rating of 138 following a first-up success in the G3 Celebration Cup H. Third in search of a three-peat in the 2019 Hong Kong Mile, he retained his zest for racing to post a second score in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) last February.  The last of his 18 local victories came in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy in April. David Hayes trained Beauty Generation for three starts this season following Moore’s retirement.

“I knew it may be on the table,” said Purton, who rode the champion 28 times. “It’s a bittersweet day. It’s a sad end. He’s been the best horse for me in my career. I’m certainly going to miss him. He was brave again [in Sunday’s Mile]  and wherever he may go in the world, I’m sure I’ll go and visit him in his paddock one day.”

 

WATCH: Beauty Generation defends his title in the 2018 Hong Kong Mile

The post Beauty Generation Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Japan Rules The Roost, Again, In Hong Kong

by Alan Carasso

Twelve months after supplying three of the four winners of the Longines Hong Kong International, the six-strong team from Japan accounted for two of the Group 1 events Sunday at Sha Tin Racecourse, as Normcore (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) took out the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup beneath substitute jockey Zac Purton and Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) followed in the hoofprints of his dual G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint-winning sire with a rare foreign victory in the 1200-meter dash. Ryan Moore put a peach of a ride on Danon Smash one race after guiding Mogul (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) to a commanding defeat of Exultant (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase. The locals did not leave empty-handed as Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d’Oro) turned in his customary stretch rally to blow away his rivals in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile, his 11th straight victory and 14th in 15 career outings. The Mile marked the end of the line for two-time winner and Horse of the Year Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}), who is to be retired to Living Legends in Australia following a creditable fifth-place effort. Full reports of each of the four Longines Hong Kong International Races to follow.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG CUP-G1, HK$28,000,000 (£2,719,596/€2,982,832/A$4,816,012/US$3,612,093), Sha Tin, 12-13, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:00.50, gd.
1–NORMCORE (JPN), 122, m, 5, by Harbinger (GB)
1st Dam: Chronologist (Jpn), by Kurofune
2nd Dam: In This Unison (Jpn), by Sunday Silence
3rd Dam: Rustic Belle, by Mr. Prospector
(¥22,000,000 Ylg ’16 JRHAJUL). O-Seiichi Iketani; B-Northern Racing; T-Kiyoshi Hagiwara; J-Zac Purton; HK$15,960,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Jpn, 17-7-1-3, HK$43,466,640. *1/2 to Chrono Genesis (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}), MG1SW-Jpn, $5,245,766. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Win Bright (Jpn), 126, h, 6, Stay Gold (Jpn)–Summer Eternity (Jpn), by Admire Cozzene (Jpn). O-Win Co. Ltd; B-Cosmo View Farm; T-Yoshihiro Hatekeyama; J-Masami Matsuoka; HK$6,160,000.
3–Magical (Ire), 122, m, 5, Galileo (Ire)–Halfway to Heaven (Ire), by Pivotal (GB). O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt; T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore; HK$2,800,000.
Margins: 3/4, NO, 1 1/4. Odds: 9-1, 9-1, 19-10.
Also Ran: Danon Premium (Jpn), Furore (NZ), Dances With Dragon (NZ), Skalleti (Fr), Time Warp (GB). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG MILE-G1, HK$25,000,000 (£2,426,394/€2,662,282/A$4,299,260/US$3,225,227), Sha Tin, 12-13, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.45, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 126, 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
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (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$14,250,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 4yo-HK, 15-14-0-0, HK$52,845,600. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Southern Legend (Aus), 126, g, 8, Not A Single Doubt (Aus)–Donna’s Appeal (Aus), by Carnegie (Ire). (A$280,000 Ylg ’13 INGEAS). O-Boniface Ho Ka Kui; B-Corumbene Stud (NSW); T-Caspar Fownes; J-Karis Teetan; HK$5,500,000.
3–Admire Mars (Jpn), 126, c, 4, Daiwa Major (Jpn)-Via Medici (Ire), by Medicean (GB). (¥52,000,000 Ylg ’17 JRHAJUL). O-Junko Kondo; B-Northern Farm; T-Yasou Tomomichi; J-Ryan Moore; HK$2,500,000.
Margins: 2, NK, NK. Odds: 3-10, 30-1, 22-5.
Also Ran: Waikuku (Ire), Beauty Generation (NZ), Order of Australia (GB), Mighty Giant (NZ), Ka Ying Star (GB), Simply Brilliant (GB), Romanised (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG SPRINT-G1, HK$22,000,000 (£2,135,036/€2,341,961/A$3,783,349/US$2,838,187), Sha Tin, 12-13, 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:08.45, gd.
1–DANON SMASH (JPN), 126, h, 5, by Lord Kanaloa (Jpn)
1st Dam: Spinning Wildcat, by Hard Spun
2nd Dam: Hollywood Wildcat, by Kris S.
3rd Dam: Miss Wildcatter, by Mr. Prospector
O-Danox Co Ltd; B-K I Farm; T-Takayuki Yasuda; J-Ryan Moore; HK$12,540,000. Lifetime Record: MGSW & MG1SP-Jpn, 22-10-3-1, HK$44,645,990. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Jolly Banner (Aus), 126, g, 9, Lonhro (Aus)–Valkyrie Diva (Aus), by Jade Robbery. (A$300,000 Ylg ’13 INGEAS). O-Mr & Mrs Kenny Cheng Tsin Ki; B-Makybe Racing & Breeding (Vic); T-Ricky Yiu; J-Mickael Barzalona; HK$4,840,000.
3–Rattan (NZ), 126, g, 7, Savabeel (Aus)–Grand Princess (Aus), by Last Tycoon (Ire). (NZ$150,000 Ylg ’15 NZBJAN). O-Wong Ting Bor; B-M H S & S H R Davidson & Mrs M P Schick; T-Richard Gibson; J-Chad Schofield; HK$2,200,000.
Margins: HF, NK, NO. Odds: 21-1, 83-1, 22-1.
Also Ran: Wishful Thinker (Aus), Fat Turtle (Aus), Computer Patch (Aus), Hot King Prawn (Aus), Voyage Warrior (Aus), Amazing Star (NZ), Stronger (Aus), Classique Legend (Aus), Big Party (Aus), Tower of London (Jpn), Big Time Baby (Ire).
Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG VASE-G1, HK$20,000,000 (£1,941,120/€2,129,056/A$3,438,840/US$2,580,090), Sha Tin, 12-13, 3yo/up, 2400mT, 2:27.21, gd.
1–MOGUL (GB), 121, c, 3, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Shastye (Ire) (SP-Eng), by Danehill
2nd Dam: Saganeca, by Sagace (Fr)
3rd Dam: Haglette, by Hagley
(3,400,000gns Ylg ’18 TATOCT). O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier; B-Newsells Park Stud; T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore; HK$11,400,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Fr, GSW-Eng & Ire, 11-5-1-1, HK$15,723,660. *Full to Secret Gesture (Ire), GSW & MG1SP-Eng, G1SP-Ger & Fr, GISP-US, $746,427; Maurus (GB) (Medicean {GB}), MSW & MGSP-Aus, $510,297; Sir Isaac Newton (GB), GSW-Ire, SW-Eng, GSP-Aus, $405,120; Japan (GB), Hwt. 3yo-Eng & Ire at 9.5f-11f & 11-14f, Hwt. 3yo-Eur at 9.5-11f, G1SW-Eng & Fr, $2,039,233. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Exultant (Ire), 126, g, 6, Teofilo (Ire)–Contrary (Ire), by Mark of Esteem (Ire). O-Eddie Wong Ming Chak & Wong Leung Sau Hing; B-Ballygallon Stud; T-Tony Cruz; J-Zac Purton; HK$4,400,000.
3–Columbus County (NZ), 126, g, 5, Redwood (GB)–Spirit of Sandford (NZ), by Kilimanjaro (GB). (NZ$33,000 Ylg ’17 NZBFEB). O-Mr & Mrs Hamen Fan Shi Hoo, Alex Fan Chen Yen & Christina Fan Chen Mun; B-D W Mayers & Mrs S J Taylor; T-Caspar Fownes; J-Joao Moreira; HK$2,000,000.
Margins: 3, HF, 2HF. Odds: 8-5, 7-10, 13-2.
Also Ran: Ho Ho Khan (NZ), Playa del Puente (Ire), Chefano (SAf), Royal Julius (GB). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

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Hong Kong Mile: On 10-Race Win Streak, Trainer Lui Feeling Quietly ‘Confident’ In Golden Sixty

Wary and respectful of world-class opposition, trainer Francis Lui carries a characteristically understated sense of confidence into the Grade 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile with Golden Sixty at Sha Tin on Sunday, hopeful his flagbearer can continue an extraordinary winning streak.

Only the fourth horse to win 10 consecutive races in Hong Kong's professional era – a feat achieved by Silent Witness, Co-Tack and Sunday's adversary Beauty Generation – Golden Sixty faces his biggest challenge at the weekend against a line-up packed with quality.

Lui, bidding for his first LONGINES Hong Kong International Races triumph, believes Golden Sixty is ideally placed to continue his streak against last year's winner Admire Mars and Aidan O'Brien's Order Of Australia.

“I'm confident on the horse but the overseas horses – their form is good. The Japanese horse (Admire Mars) won it last year. The Irish horse (Order Of Australia) won the Breeders' Cup, he has strong form,” he said.

“To me and my stable team, it's another record if he can win.

“I'm very happy with his trackwork because he was quite relaxed. He's more relaxed with another horse. If he goes by himself, he's keen in the early part but today he followed the other horse.

“Everything is ready.”

Lui confirmed he would not burden jockey Vincent Ho with instructions.

“I'll leave it to him because, from first day he has ridden this horse and he knows him, and I don't want to give him pressure,” he said.

“Anything can happen in a race and, if he listens to me, it's another story. So, I will leave it to him.”

While concentrating on nothing other than Sunday, Lui indicated the BMW Hong Kong Derby winner could return to 2000-metre contests.

“Next month, he might have another mile but after that I think about the step up to 2000 metres,” Lui said.

Opening the options for a G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) tilt on Feb. 21, 2021 should Lui opt to head there.

“Last season, he ran in the Derby, 2000 metres.

“I don't have many choices. If I go to the big races, I have to think about it.”

Ho is similarly upbeat about the horse who has helped catapult the former Hong Kong champion apprentice to international prominence.

“He's a super horse. He's got a great mentality, just wants to chase whatever is in front of him in the straight,” Ho said.

“He just jumps out the gate and settles really well, wherever I want him to be, he's OK.

“Some horses can ran 20 seconds or 21 seconds for 400 metres, but he can produce that sprint in 1200m or 2000m races.

“Every jockey dreams of a horse like this. When you're on him, it's just so special. He not just makes you a better jockey, but he can win big races for you.”

Ho will also partner Caspar Fownes' Classique Legend in the HK$22 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on what looms as a landmark day for the jockey.

“Classique Legend has trialed well and galloped well on Tuesday morning,” Ho said.

“He is a superstar in Australia, hopefully he can bring that form on Sunday. I'm extremely grateful to be on two great horses.

“The support I have received is great. I've been working very hard for years and I appreciate the trust they have in me to put me on their horses.

Karis Teetan, who will oppose Ho and Golden Sixty aboard Southern Legend in the Mile, is fatalistic about his chances in the HK$25 million feature.

“Well, after watching Golden Sixty gallop on Tuesday morning, I'm in trouble,” he said.

“Vincent, of course, has some history with Southern Legend (riding him three times for a win, a second and fifth placing). I'm lucky enough this time to ride him again.

“Of course, we all have respect for Golden Sixty but, when we're out there, the only thing in our mind is trying to win the race.”

The post Hong Kong Mile: On 10-Race Win Streak, Trainer Lui Feeling Quietly ‘Confident’ In Golden Sixty appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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‘Resurrect An Old Champion’: Beauty Generation Chasing Third Hong Kong Mile Victory

David Hayes will attempt to emulate the career-ending Cox Plate glories of retired Australian warhorse Fields Of Omagh on Sunday, when he sends out Beauty Generation in an attempt to annex a third HK$25 million (US$3.23 million) Grade 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.

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.

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