 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Contenders from Australia, Hong Kong, France, and Ireland have gathered for the first edition of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, now named after the deceased monarch and a part of the QIPCO British Champion Series, featuring a dazzling international field.
Richard Gibson, a British national based in Hong Kong, has brought his top sprinter Wellington to compete in the race. Wellington has won the Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint twice and also emerged victorious in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint, which was held on the turf at Sha Tin and ridden by Ryan Moore, in December last year.
Gibson, referencing Hong Kong’s lack of grass paddocks, said, “He flew in last Saturday morning and he has a big grin on his face after having his first pick of grass in five years. He has been accompanied by a lead horse and Martyn Meade has kindly let us use the Manton estate.
“He is stabled with Brian Meehan but is trained away from his horses in quarantine. I’m delighted with Wellington’s condition. He did his last piece of work on Thursday and it’s morale boosting that Ryan is on board, showing faith in him.
“The Hong Kong sprint division has always been strong globally and his times have been good. There are not many horses who have won £6m in prize-money. He has to be highly respected.”
Strength In Strong Contenders
Versatile globetrotting 6YO, Kinross finished third behind Modern Games in the Breeders' Cup Mile
He has proven his versatility with two Group one victories in the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs and the QIPCO British Champions Sprint over course and distance on QIPCO British Champions day in October of last year.
Trainer Ralph Beckett said, “He is training really well after a planned long break following his unlucky Breeders’ Cup run when carved up at the start at Keeneland in November. This race was always going to be his first of the year.”
Coeur de Pierre, who finished third to The Platinum Queen in the Prix de l’Abbaye at ParisLongchamp last October, is being brought by Mauricio Delcher Sanchez, who won the Jubilee with Equiano in 2008 when he was champion trainer in Spain but is now based in Chantilly.
Australian sprinter Artorius, who also finished third in a dead-heat under Jamie Spencer with the Godolphin pair Naval Crown and Creative Force, is back to compete again.
Sacred, who finished fifth in last year's race, is expected to perform well over the seven-furlong distance. Khaadem and Rohaan, who have both performed well at Ascot before, are also among the contenders.
Highfield Princess and Cannonball, who finished second and last respectively in Tuesday's King's Stand, are also in the field of 16.