The globe-trotting, champion jockey Ryan Moore has not only virtually done it all … but he just continues to ride winners on the biggest stage time after time after time.
No surprise then that Moore landed a winner when he rode the Richard Gibson trained Wellington to a dominant win in the HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Moore was booked for the ride after Alexis Badel, Wellington’s regular rider, dislocated his shoulder a couple of weeks ago, and he didn’t waster the opportunity with Wellington giving his eighth success at the prestigious LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
It is never a simple task to win a race at this level, but Moore’s post-race explanation suggested things had gone very much to plan.
“He began very well. The pace was very slow for the first furlong and a half,” said Moore. I was able to slot in just worse than midfield, had a bit of cover and I was able to go when I wanted to go.
“It was very straightforward from my horse,” continued Moore. “He took me there comfortably and had the race sewn up with 200m to go really.
“To me, he has looked the best sprinter in Hong Kong for some time now and obviously it’s very harsh on Alexis but I’m very thankful to pick up the ride and have a go on him today.”
Trainer Richard Gibson was a very proud man.
“You can’t call yourself a sprint champion unless you win this big one,” said Gibson. “We’re all part of a really big team, Alexis is a huge part of that and I’m gutted for him to miss it, but so proud of my guys.
“We had a lot of work to do after his disappointing run last time out (where Wellington pulled up lame) and we’ve got a great veterinary team, chiropractors, there’s a lot of people to thank.
“We had to be a bit patient, but I was pleased we hadn’t missed work with him.
“All our energy has been focused since last year for this race,” Gibson said.
“We really wanted to win it for Hong Kong and for the owners, who have been so supportive to me and were my first owners in Hong Kong. I’m delighted I’ve delivered one of our biggest races here and it’s fantastic for Hong Kong to have horses of this ability.”
