Australian-trained horse Royal Patronage is set to compete in the Champions Mile in Hong Kong later this month.
Jockey Tim Clark will continue his partnership with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained import when he makes the trip across. This marks a significant event for Waterhouse, as it will be her first runner in Hong Kong since Grand Armee contested the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2005.
Royal Patronage has had a strong campaign this season, beginning with a win in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes. More recently, he delivered a courageous performance in the Doncaster Mile, finishing narrowly behind Stefi Magnetica after a wide run.
Clark, who previously spent three years riding in Hong Kong, expressed enthusiasm about returning for this race. He noted that Royal Patronage favors quick ground and performs best when able to stalk the speed, conditions expected in the upcoming event.
“It’s going to be very exciting,” Clark said to Racing.com.
“It will be Adrian’s first international runner, obviously Gai has had international runners before.
“To be able to go up there, to ride for them, who I obviously do quite a lot of riding for, it’s a nice thrill and it will be even better if we can pull it off.”