Wellington swept aside Hong Kong’s sprinting division in the Premier Bowl (Gr.2, 1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday in a performance that sparked more superlatives from his trainer (Richard Gibson) and jockey (Alexis Badel).

The Champion son of Vinery sire All Too Hard was racing first-up since going back-to-back in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Gr.1, 1200m) six months ago and he was always travelling like a winner despite shouldering 61kg.

Wellington tracked odds-on favourite Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) before cruising past him at the furlong.  He clocked 1:07.78s which was only a tick outside the long-standing track-record held by Hong Kong icon Sacred Kingdom.

“It looked a very tough race, especially giving weight to several promising horses like Lucky Sweynesse,” Gibson admitted.  “But it turned out a comfortable watch.  He came out of the gates hungry and the only thing that surprised me was the price.  He’s been Hong Kong’s Champion for the last two years over this trip so $9.20 was extraordinary.”

Wellington’s next assignment will be the Jockey Club Sprint (Gr.2, 1200m) on November 20 before he heads the home defence in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint (Gr.1, 1200m) at Sha Tin’s International meeting on December 11.

“Our big objective is December and it’s an added bonus that we won today,” Gibson added.  “The most satisfying thing was his flexibility in running.  We needed to ride him on-pace because of the track.  That was a good sign and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Wellington (6g All Too Hard – Mihiri by More Than Ready) was bred by Kia-Ora Stud in partnership with David Paradice and Vinery partner Steve McCann.  He sold for $70,000 at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions and the latest win sent his earnings past $HK40million (AUD7.98million) for owners Michael and Jeffrey Cheng.  His dam’s 3yo filly Rotorua (Star Witness) was placed in a Rosehill trial for trainer Mark Newnham on Friday.  Mihiri foaled an All Too Hard filly last year.

“The way he began from the gates was amazing,” Badel reported after bringing Wellington back to scale.  “He’s so professional and so mature in his racing manners.  He’s a dream to ride and does whatever you want.  He’s just outstanding and has got that turn of foot that makes such a difference.”

Vinery stands All Too Hard for $38,500 (inc GST).  For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).