Vinery sire All Too Hard was represented by five Australian winners on Saturday – more than any other stallion – and for good measure, he added a sixth with Happy Sharing in Hong Kong.
Happy Sharing had gradually acclimatised for trainer Manfred Man last season before transferring to Pierre Ng during the off-season. He was narrowly beaten first-up a fortnight ago but made the breakthrough at his eighth start in the Shanghai Hcp (1200m) at Sha Tin.
It was also a first for Ng at Sha Tin. “We’re definitely very happy – we’ve waited for seven meetings to do it today,” the rookie trainer declared. “Now we’re just looking forward to getting more winners here.”
Luke Ferraris stalked the speed with Happy Sharing before unleashing him in the straight. “We had a great run and he’s beaten a good field,” the South African-born jockey said. “Credit to Pierre and his team. They had the horse in good condition and hopefully he goes on.”
Happy Sharing was bred by Gerry Harvey from Woman In Love (Snitzel) who is a winning half-sister to Magically (SAJC Yallambee Classic Gr.2). He was purchased for $65,000 from Westbury Stud at the 2019 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale by Paul Chow’s Tartan Meadow Bloodstock on behalf of the Happy Noodle Syndicate.
Happy Sharing was initially registered as All About You in NZ and he outclassed a maiden field on debut at Ruakaka before shipping off-shore in September 2021.
The All Too Hard – Snitzel cross has a 73% strike-rate led by Group 3 winner Hard Landing (VRC Maribyrnong Plate) and unbeaten Melbourne 3yo Elkington Road who holds a Group 1 nomination for the Caulfield Guineas.
All Too Hard has sired 14 individual winners of 45 races in Hong Kong and his Group 1-winning sprinter Wellington was given an easy work-out in a 1000m barrier trial last Tuesday. He was beaten three-quarters of a length into fourth place under a hold from Alex Badel.
Earlier on Saturday at Sha Tin, Vinery graduate Big Me blew his rivals away with a stunning victory over 1000m. The highly-touted Caspar Fownes-trained newcomer dipped at the start but recovered for Luke Currie to win in a sizzling 56.45s.
“Big Me has a big future,” the South China Morning Post reported after the Chongqing Hcp. “Last to start but first to finish, he won in a manner few horses of any age – and even fewer debutants – do down the straight course.”
The 4yo son of Your Song was bred and sold by Vinery partner Greg Perry for $40,000 through Vinery (as agent) at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. He changed hands a second time for $75,000 at the 2020 Inglis Ready2Race Sale and, following a Tatura trial win in December 2021, was sent to Hong Kong.
“He’s always shown potential but we’ve taken our time,” Fownes explained. “He had a few trials towards the end of last season but the tracks were getting chopped up so I backed off and freshened him up for this season.
“He’s been a thorough professional all the way through but a couple got fidgety today and he put his head down in the gates at the wrong time and lost an advantage. But Luke was patient, went to Plan B and the horse did his job.”
Big Me is the first foal of Miss Eisenstadt (Manhattan Rain), an unraced daughter of Fritz’s Princess (More Than Ready) who won the 2008 The Shorts (Gr.2, 1100m) at Randwick. Her second foal Little Miss Kubi (Headwater) is a homebred for Perry and she won a Moe 3yo maiden during an initial two-start campaign for trainer Cliff Brown in August.
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).
