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| Staff Writer |
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Gauvin Seeks Redemption
Jean-Pierre Gauvin is relishing a return to Sha Tin as his stable star Iresine bids for glory in Sunday's Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m), eleven years after his previous raid with Classic winner Saonois.
The French trainer, who has carved out a reputation for maximising the potential of modestly priced horses, has carefully plotted a path to Hong Kong with his versatile 7YO, who claimed both the Gr.1 Prix Royal-Oak over 3100m and Gr.1 Prix Ganay over 2100m.
"He's done something which in the modern era is unthinkable, namely to win the Prix Royal-Oak over 3100 metres and the Prix Ganay over 2100 metres," says Gauvin. "He is extremely adaptable in terms of trip, but I think the 2400 metres of the Longines Hong Kong Vase is his best distance."
Iresine's recent fourth in the Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Ascot showed his wellbeing, with Gauvin noting: "Marie Velon said he barely had a race and only really ran the last 200 metres. He doesn't have an instant turn of foot, it's more of a long acceleration."
Meanwhile, Without A Fight arrives fresh from an exceptional Australian campaign for trainers Sam and Anthony Freedman, having captured both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in 2023 before suffering a tendon setback.
The 7YO, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid al Maktoum, has amassed prize money of approximately US$6.3 million and demonstrated his class with a promising return in the Champions Stakes at Flemington.
"It was a great first-up run and obviously it was a long time off and it was against one of the best horses (Via Sistina) in the world," Sam Freedman said of the gelding's recent third.
"He is obviously world-class, and I think he is one of the better stayers around and we'll see how he measures up," added Freedman, who previously campaigned Santa Ana Lane in Hong Kong.
Japan's hopes rest with Stellenbosch and Pradaria, with the former impressing in recent work under Joao Moreira. Trainer Sakae Kunieda expressed satisfaction with his mare's preparation.
"Joao told me she was in great shape and responded well to accelerate remarkably in the stretch. He also mentioned she was moving nicely and after the gallop, she was breathing very well. At the moment, I have nothing to complain about in her condition," said Kunieda.
Adding to the international flavour, Andre Fabre sends out Marquisat, who shared transport duties with Iresine on the journey to Hong Kong. The French challenger will be looking to give his legendary trainer a first success in the race.
The Hong Kong Vase has a rich history of international success, with previous winners including Highland Reel (2015, 2017), who also claimed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Glory Vase (2019, 2021), who demonstrated remarkable consistency at Sha Tin.
Marie Velon partners Iresine, becoming only the third female jockey this century to ride in a Hong Kong Group One, following Rosie Myers (sixth on Benzini in 2016) and Jamie Kah (ninth on Packing Treadmill in 2024).
Mark Zahra jets in from Perth to maintain his partnership with Without A Fight, having guided the 7YO to his major Australian successes. Before heading to Hong Kong, Zahra takes the ride on Democracy Manifest in Saturday's Northerly Stakes at Ascot.
"For a horse to have a year off after winning the Melbourne Cup and do a tendon and come back at the same level is amazing," Zahra said of Without A Fight. "If the tempo is on, he can show he's the best stayer in the race with his turn of foot."
Gauvin personally oversees Iresine's preparation, including riding work himself alongside travelling companion Marcan. "He really couldn't be without his travelling companion and we did the same when travelling to Japan and even Ascot," says Gauvin.
The trainer's attention to detail extends to having retired head lad Joseph Heintz and his brother Jean-Paul – a trotting horse trainer – as part of Team Iresine this week.
Looking to avenge Saonois' disappointing run in the 2012 Hong Kong Cup, Gauvin reflects: "I really didn't think I'd have another chance to come back here but it was always a dream to try and maybe take our revenge after what was ultimately a disappointing day when Saonois ran poorly in the Cup."
His careful handling of the US$7,200 yearling purchase Iresine has already reaped rich rewards, and Sunday's contest provides another opportunity to showcase his skill at developing top-class performers from modest beginnings.
The Vase, a true highlight of the international racing calendar, promises to deliver an intriguing clash between seasoned European campaigners, Japanese talent, and antipodean staying power.