Romantic Warrior is a winner! And so is Mary Huen for her fabulous floral print dress and being the epitome of casual chic at Shatin on Sunday…
- Hans Ebert
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
With Standard Chartered being the main sponsor of the races at Shatin on Sunday, I had already written the headline for in my head: Bank On It.
Despite something of a traffic jam, many banked on Romantic Warrior not being denied winning the Group One Champions And Chater Cup, and becoming only the third horse to complete the Hong Kong Triple Crown.
It was, however, a messy race with all honours to this wonderful eight year old galloper who decided to take things into his own hands and help his great friend in jockey James McDonald to get him home.
The very likeable James incurred a three day suspension and fined for his troubles, but part of the prize money and bonus of HK$10 million for completing the triple crown will no doubt ease the pain.
With the usual front running Numbers choosing to take a sit behind race leader and stablemate Romantic Thor, and jockey Derek Leung then throwing everything at his ride including the kitchen sink to get to the front and keep going, Romantic Warrior came from off the pace and did what he almost always does- win for his team.
Whatever might have happened during the course of the race, the best horse won and if he already isn’t in the annals of racing history, Romantic Warrior certainly is now- a brilliant galloper much loved by Hong Kong facing fans and the entire team around him led by trainer Danny Shum who has done a truly amazing job with the galloper. He doesn’t get enough credit.
Meanwhile, of the first four races on the day, three were won through absolute masterclasses from Zac Purton where the champion rider showed everyone his quite incredible Michelin star repertoire in the saddle.
He sat out one of the four races, so who knows what would have happened if he had ridden in that one?
Meanwhile, another of those HKJC created “countdown” promotions, this time built around the rider reaching 2000 winners in Hong Kong, continued unabated and ad nauseum.
Who comes up with this cornball nonsense?
It’s starting to remind some of us of Deranged Donnie and his ongoing love affair with having a golden ballroom in the White House.
By the way, in Australia on Saturday, Chris Waller trained his 200th Group 1 winner. Just saying.
All this apart, it was good to see Hong Kong born rider Dylan Mo make the most of the measly handful of rides he gets and win on Mighty Strength.
The other highlight of the day were the
heroics of the Assistant trainer to Caspar Fownes who came to the aid of Super Rubick Kid, and calmed down the highly agitated galloper after dumping rider Harry Bentley past the winning post and getting loose.
This was a brave act, showed good knowledge of horses and with this moment captured perfectly by photographer Wallace Wan.
What isn’t worthwhile anyone photographing were some of the whip crazy bashings resorted to by a couple of jockeys who should know better by now.
It’s ugly, and brings to mind the “style” of riding of former Hong Kong jockey Rambo Tse.
Though some might say this shows that they are “trying”, sorry, but I don’t buy a ridiculous explanation that’s as old as when Methuselah played marbles with the other kids.
This type of “trying” is NOT to be tolerated and the HKJC should look into this kind of cowboy riding that, if it continues, will makes Hong Kong racing look like the Wild East Gong Show.
Other than that, well, just how attractive and casually stylish is Mary Huen, CEO, for Standard Chartered in Hong Kong, Mainland China and North Asia.
What a fabulous dress she chose to wear for an outdoor event and showed to many who don’t have a clue about style that it’s something that can never be taught or bought.
Ms Huen in her floral dress was an example of elegance through refined simplicity!
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