Tag: Mick Halford

Hong Kong Horse of the Year Exultant Retired

Exultant (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}–Contrary {Ire}, by Mark of Esteem {Ire}), arguably the best stayer to be based in Hong Kong and the jurisdiction's Horse of the Year in 2019-2020, has been officially retired from racing, according to information on the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.

Bred by Belinda Strudwick's Co. Kilkenny-based Ballygallon Stud, Exultant was raced by his breeder as Irishcorrespondent in Europe and was trained by Mick Halford to a third-place effort behind Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) in unsuitably soft ground in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas in 2017. Sold to Hong Kong as a Derby prospect following a fifth to Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 Hampton Court S. at Royal Ascot, Exultant was a running-on third in the Derby the following March, but hit his straps really and truly over further when taking out the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) ahead of a runner-up effort to 'TDN Rising Star' Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal) in the G1 Champions and Chater Cup over the same trip.

Exultant displayed the grit and determination that would come to define him during his next campaign, out-toughing future Japan Horse of the Year Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Ire}) for a breakthrough top-level success in the 2018 G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m) (see below) while becoming just the third locally based galloper to take out the race. He carried that momentum into the second half of the season, adding the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) before the first of two successes in the Champions and Chater Cup.

 

WATCH: Exultant digs deep to win the 2018 Longines Hong Kong Vase

 

Only an undefeated season by Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) denied Exultant a Horse of the Year crown on that occasion, but he made amends during his next preparation, with four wins from seven appearances, including a tough-as-nails win over Derby hero Furore (NZ) (Pierro {Aus}) in the G1 FWD QE II Cup (2000m) (video) and a second straight Champions and Chater Cup. He was also third in the Hong Kong Vase after being forced to make the running from barrier 14.

Though he failed to greet the judge in his seven starts in 2020-2021, he was never disgraced, finishing runner-up to a primed Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) in the Vase in December while finishing third to likely Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in defence of his title in the QE II Cup and in the Champions and Chater Cup in his final career trip to the post May 23. Zac Purton, also the regular partner of Beauty Generation, rode Exultant in his final 19 starts and in 25 of his 32 local appearances.

Exultant enters retirement with an overall record of 13-11-6 with 10 black-type wins from 36 runs and earnings of $10,656,066.

The post Hong Kong Horse of the Year Exultant Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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From Dundalk to California

Going Global (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) made an impressive U.S. debut for trainer Phil D'Amato by taking Sunday's GIII Sweet Life S. at Santa Anita. Formerly trained by Mick Halford in Ireland, the 3-year-old filly was purchased privately this winter in a deal structured by BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe and Niall Dalton. Gary King caught up with Donohoe on Monday morning to chat about the win.

GK: What attracted you to Going Global?

MD: Her first run at Limerick really caught my eye and Niall's [Dalton]. We liked her action and when she won her maiden at Dundalk we liked the way she quickened to the line. It was a bit of a gamble buying her off a Dundalk handicap win but it paid off. It just goes to show how strong Irish race form is.

GK: Did she strike you as a California kind of horse?

MD: For sure. When I saw her in the flesh she looked the part, well made with a great hip like a lot of the Mehmas progeny. The Mehmases all seem to progress with racing which is a great trait and are sound horses. For racing in California soundness is so important.

GK: How have you found the horses-in-training market during the last few months?

MD: To be honest, it's been pretty good. Myself and Niall working together have had a lot of success these last few months and always have people looking for Irish horses.

GK: Mehmas obviously had a terrific year with his first juveniles. Do you expect them to progress as 3-year-olds?

MD: Absolutely. Even though they have proven to be precocious they are also seriously progressive. They seem to have that will to win and are very sound. He really could be a very important stallion in years to come and is in a very good hotel in Tally Ho. So popular he has become I have only been able to secure one nomination for my clients.

GK: Before I let you go, have you identified any under the radar stallions in Europe for the upcoming breeding season? 

MD: I have been hearing and seeing very good reports from Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (€30,000 at Coolmore)'s first crop of 2-year-olds. Also, I think Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) (€15,000 at Haras de Bouquetot) will have a better 3-year-old crop after a promising start with his first runners last season.

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