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| Staff Writer |
Hong Kong's racing enthusiasts were sent into jubilation as California Spangle stormed to victory in the HK$11.7 million Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan Racecourse, clinching the title in record-breaking fashion.
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Piloted by Australian jockey Brenton Avdulla and trained by the legendary Tony Cruz, the Aussie-sired horse left an indelible mark on the international stage, clocking a remarkable time of 1m 07.50s and eclipsing the previous course record.
Avdulla's impeccable timing strategically positioned California Spangle, capitalising on the absence of anticipated pressure during the race. Surging ahead at the 400-meter mark, California Spangle showcased unparalleled speed, fending off competitors to seize victory.
California Spangle is a 6YO gelding who raced from 2022 to 2024. He was sired by Starspangledbanner out of the High Chaparral mare Pearlitas Passion. The entire team has raced at Meydan-UAE and Sha Tin-Hong Kong, with wins at Meydan-UAE and Sha Tin-Hong Kong. His stakes wins include wins in the 2024 Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint, the 2024 Gr.1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup, and the 2022 Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile.
The victory of California Spangle was further embellished by its record-breaking performance, clocking in at 1:07.50 over 1200 meters, eclipsing the previous track record. This exceptional feat underscored the 6YOs prowess, adding another feather to its cap of previous Group One triumphs.
Avdulla, thrilled to participate in Dubai for the first time, expressed his anticipation before the race, stating, "I'm thrilled to be riding in Dubai for the first time, and I hope to do well for Hong Kong."
He rejoiced, "He's an amazing horse. I've only ridden him twice and won two Group 1s. Being on the world stage and representing Hong Kong is amazing."
Post-race discussions inevitably revolved around the conspicuous absence of the Hong Kong champion, Golden Sixty, from the international stage. Hindered by the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Golden Sixty remained confined to Sha Tin during the zenith of its career. California Spangle's recent conquest is a poignant testament to its exceptional abilities, emphasising the pivotal role international racing plays in elevating the overall calibre of Hong Kong's equine talents on the global platform.
Trainer Tony Cruz exuded confidence in California Spangle's victory, dedicating the triumph to the late Howard Liang, a revered figure in the "California family." Cruz outlined ambitious plans for California Spangle, highlighting its potential in sprint races back in Hong Kong while leaving the door ajar for a potential venture to Royal Ascot.
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Cruz, revelling in California Spangle's victory, hinted at plans, indicating a potential entry into the Chairman's Sprint Prize back in Hong Kong. Reflecting on the significance of the win, he remarked, "He ran like a champion today. It means everything. Every trainer in their career has to win big races elsewhere; it's part of your job."
Cruz's words resonated with optimism and reverence, "I knew it would happen sooner or later. I got this opportunity and came with a lot of confidence that we would win this race today. The family—the 'California family'—is h here today. Howard Liang, whose horses are usually named California, passed away recently, so I would like to dedicate this win to him. We are over the moon with this; the owner's wish was always to win these big races. I wish he were here tonight, but his whole family is here, and we will celebrate together."
"If you look back through his history, California Spangle, on his debut, ran a record time in Hong Kong, and he ran a record time at 1200m. I believe that when he hits the front, nobody can catch him. We'll go into sprint races in Hong Kong at the end of April [the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize]. We'll take on Lucky Sweynesse. He's always been a sprinter-miler, and I believe he's more of a sprinter than a miler. You have to go for those longer races in Hong Kong earlier in their career, but I think we know where he is best now." he added.
He anticipated Royal Ascot's prospect: "It's a possibility. I've got to try to work it out."
Chester Liang, representing the owner, shared the emotional significance of the victory, expressing profound joy and pride in California Spangle's triumph, particularly considering the horse's sentimental value to his family. Liang remarked, "The horse means a lot to my family and me, and I'm really happy that we were able to win. Tony said if he won last time in Hong Kong, then we'd come. He did, and we decided the horse was in good form, so we came. This was my dad's favourite horse, so he always meant a lot. He is probably looking down on us."
Godolphin's 3YO filly, Star Of Mystery, secured second place in the prestigious. Trainer Charlie Appleby is eyeing potential targets such as the King's Stand and the long-term aim of the Breeders' Cup F&M Sprint. Despite falling short of victory, Star Of Mystery's performance underscored her potential for future success on the global stage.
Appleby lauded the filly's performance despite her age, " I'm Delighted. Frankie Dettori said he just got to his [California Spangle's] quarters, and she went again. But she's a three-year-old against battle-hardened sprinters. What we'll do with her, whether we go to the King's Stand or give her a proper break. The race I'd like to work back from is the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint; I think that will suit her well."
Diligent Harry, displaying commendable grit and determination, clinched third place in the fiercely competitive field. Trainer Clive Cox expressed pride in the horse's performance, emphasising its remarkable journey against a high-class lineup of contenders.
Clive Cox commended his horse's remarkable performance against a high-class field. "He's run an amazing race. This is far superior to the class of race he's been in before, and he's travelled all the way here. I'm so proud of him. He's really loved it, and he's acquitted himself admirably against a very high-class field. I'm thrilled to bits."
Cruz contemplated California Spangle's next challenge, weighing options between a potential venture to Royal Ascot and a Japanese raid for the Group One Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama racecourse. Cruz's inclination towards the Sprinters Stakes resonated with the prospect of emulating past triumphs, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in California Spangle's illustrious career.
Cruz mused, "In England, there isn't too much prize money, but in Japan, there is good money, and it's almost a package deal – I like that."
As the racing world eagerly anticipates the next phase of California Spangle's journey, the legacy of this extraordinary horse continues to enthral enthusiasts around the globe.
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Winner Race 2024 |