Champion All Too Hard sprinter Wellington and his connections are ready to take on the world after another commanding victory in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on Sunday.
Wellington confirmed he was a class above the local sprint division and two highly-regarded Japanese raiders on International Day at Sha Tin. Settling with cover from a wide draw for Ryan Moore, he ranged up to the leaders in the straight to score with something in hand from Sight Success (Magnus) and Sky Field (Deep Field).
“He has looked the best sprinter in Hong Kong for some time now and it was straightforward from start to finish,” Moore reported. “I wasn’t surprised by his turn of foot. He took me there comfortably and quickly had the race sewn up. He’s an intelligent horse and a pleasure to ride.”
Winning trainer Richard Gibson is already looking towards Royal Ascot and the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, June 24. “All our energy has been focused on this race and we will keep enjoying the ride and keep looking after him. It’s fantastic for Hong Kong racing we’ve got a horse of his ability. There is a programme for him during the coming months and, all going well, it will set him up for Royal Ascot.”
Wellington has won the last two editions of the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) and it will be a key prelim on April 24 prior to a trip overseas. A successful second-half of the season will also enable Vinery sire All Too Hard to challenge Starspangledbanner for the 2022-23 Hong Kong sires’ premiership.
Gibson prepares Wellington for Michael Cheng Wing On and Jeffrey Cheng Man Cheong. “I really wanted to win it for Hong Kong and for the owners who have been so supportive. They were my first owners after I arrived in Hong Kong.”
The English-born handler also acknowledged his staff who worked overtime to help their stable star recover after he pulled up lame in the Jockey Club Sprint (Gr.2, 1200m) last month. “I’m so proud of them,” he said at the presentation. “They had a lot of work to do and we’ve also got a great team of vets and chiropractors.”
Wellington (6g All Too Hard – Mihiri by More Than Ready) was bred by Kia-Ora Stud in partnership with Vinery partners David Paradice and Steve McCann and sold for $70,000 at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions. The All Too Hard – More Than Ready cross has produced 45 individual winners at a 76% strike-rate. Wellington is its most successful nick and Mihiri foaled an All Too Hard filly in August.
