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Hong Kong Vase

ANGE GABRIEL SCORES IN HONG KONG VASE

Reserving his strongest foot for the final 200 metres, France's Ange Gabriel closed powerfully on the outside Sunday to win the ninth running of the HK$14-million Hong Kong Vase (G1). Spurred on by the strong efforts of jockey Thierry Jarnet, the four-year-old colt by Kaldounevees prevailed by three-quarters of a length in the field of 14, clocking a time of 2:28.4 for the 2400-metre distance.

The Vase is the longest of the Hong Kong International races. But throughout the initial ten furlongs of this year's event the front-running Ekraar, representing the United Arab Emirates, appeared to be enjoying a dream trip under Lanfranco Dettori.

Following splits of :25.9. :24.9, :25.7, :25.2 and :23.7, favored Ekraar appeared to be in command as the finish line loomed in sight. But, seemingly in one huge flash, Ange Gabriel stormed up on the outside, as did Aquarelliste on the rail and Falcon Flight on the latter's left flank.

All three closer appeared to have a shot at victory. But Ange Gabriel, at 4/1 odds, proved best, as Aquarelliste had to settle for second, 1 1/4 lengths to the fore of Falcon Flight, who finished third.

Following in order were Ekraar, Polish Summer, Guadalupe, Idol, Luckswell, Cheers Hong Kong, Greenmore, Rainbow And Gold, Indigenous, Caracoler and Delta Form.

Out of the first five home, four (including the top two finishers) were either trained in France, or have been conditioned there earlier in their careers.. Accordingly, this year's Vase result topped the finish of the race in 1999, when France's Borgia and Bimbola finished first and second.

Owners Henri and Antonia Devin, who stand Kaldounevess, and also own Ange Gabriel's dam, Mount Gable, said they are eyeing the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond States (G1) at Ascot next July.

Ange Gabriel's next objective, according to Henri Devin, could be the Sheema Classic (G1) in Dubai in March. But there also may be a greater goal.

"My grandmother won the King George in 1961 with Right Royal," Henri Devin said. " I'd love to win it with Ange Gabriel, too."

This was Jarnet's first win in the Hong Kong International Races. "He's a champion horse," said Jarnet of Ange Gabriel. "Top class. He did everything I asked of him I think there is more improvement in this horse."

"(Ange Gabriel) is a very well-balanced horse, so this track surface was perfect," said victorious trainer Eric Libaud. " He needs a firm surface as he has a huge stride, which gets lost when it is soft. His acceleration is amazing."


About Hong Kong Vase

HK$14 million (approx. US$1,800,000)
2400m /12f /turf /3yo+

The Stewards of the Hong Kong Jockey Club introduced the Hong Kong International Vase as a third international race in December 1994 to encourage Hong Kong owners to import top class stayers. The race was accorded Group 2 status in 1996 and became a Group 1 last season when Daliapour won for Great Britain.

Last year, the determination of Yutaka Take and bravery of Stay Gold, coupled with the daring and bravado of Frankie Dettori, set up a close finish for the ages in the HK$14 million Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin. The favourite Stay Gold prevailed in the last millisecond of a dramatic race that will be long remembered by those privileged to see it.

Prize Money - HK$14 million plus trophies for the winning owner, trainer and jockey is divided as below: Weights
Place Prize (HK$) Prize (US$)
1st 8,000,000 (approx. 1,000,000)
2nd 3,000,000 (approx. 400,000)
3rd 1,500,000 (approx. 200,000)
4th 800,000 (approx. 100,000)
5th 450,000 (approx. 60,000)
6th 250,000 (approx. 30,000)
 
Northern Hemisphere
Horse Description
Southern Hemisphere
kgs lbs lbs kgs
57 126
4yo+ c., h. & g.
126 57
55.25 122
4yo+ f. & m.
122 55.25
55 121
3yo c.& g.
111 50.25
53 117
3yo f.
107 48.5
(c - colt; f - filly; g - gelding; h - horse; m - mare)

 

 

 

 

 

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