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)
|