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| Sumita Pawar |
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Among the memories that French ace Mickael Barzalona has left with Hong Kong's passionate fans, two stand out. The first is his impressive performance in 2020, where he skillfully maneuvered Jolly Banner, a veteran trained by Ricky Yiu, through a crowded field to secure second place in the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. Barzalona came close to victory, falling just half a length short of overtaking Ryan Moore and Japanese flyer Danon Smash.
In the shadow of the Happy Valley winning post, twelve months later, he rode Elon wide and fast to catch Zac Purton and Shining Gem, landing the fourth and final leg of the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) and earning a share of second place on the final podium. This was Barzalona's best finish in four attempts at the LONGINES IJC since his debut in 2016.
Unfortunately, a last-minute medical issue cost him his place in the 12-rider line-up, as well as a second-placed finish on Botanik in the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase four days later. Nonetheless, now 32, he has once again had a fine season in France and is looking to achieve success both at Happy Valley and Sha Tin upon his return to Hong Kong. One of his recent upsets was a win aboard Marhaba Ya Sanafi in the Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains for former Hong Kong-based trainer Andreas Schutz.
Of his latest challenge for a share of HK$1 million in prizes, Barzalona says,“The LONGINES IJC is the most competitive jockeys challenge in the world and it's a pleasure to be invited once again. It’s a couple of years since I had the chance to ride in the competition and it’s great to be heading over there again and to be the French flag-bearer.”
When reminded of his late lunge on Elon from stall 10 in the 1200 metre finale to the 2021 LONGINES IJC, Barzalona says, “It’s true that Happy Valley has its own particularities and the tactics can vary depending on where you’re drawn. It's always a wonderful evening.”
Barzalona has decided to extend his stay up until Sunday, which is when the HK$36 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup takes place. With Horizon Dore as a serious contender, it could be Europe's first victory since Snow Fairy's win in 2010. This 3YO son of Dabirsim is trained by Patrice Cottier in the South of France, and his part-owners, the Chehboub Family (Gousserie Racing), could have a memorable year as they also own 50% of the 2023 G1 Prix du Jockey Club and 2023 G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Ace Impact.
Horizon Dore has already achieved three consecutive Group race wins at 2000 metres on good ground in France before finishing second to King Of Steel and Via Sistina in the Gr.1 Champion Stakes last month.
“He ran really well at Ascot where unfortunately the ground was very heavy,” says Barzalona, who earlier in the year scored in the G2 Prix Eugene Adam (2000m) and the G2 Prix Dollar (2000m), on both occasions conserving Horizon Dore’s potent finishing kick until inside the final 400 metres.
“He’d been winning his races quite easily and, you have to remember, it was his first time travelling outside France and we raced on a very deep track. He was a bit lit up early on and the ground was extremely heavy going down into the dip at Swinley Bottom, and that certainly cost him when it came to his finishing effort. But despite that he ran a very credible third.”
Barzalona believes that the upcoming LONGINES Hong Kong Cup will be advantageous for Horizon Dore. Horizon Dore, who will receive a three-pound weight-for-age allowance, is expected to face older rivals such as defending champion Romantic Warrior, who recently won the Gr.1 W.S. Cox Plate.
“Back on good ground and with a decent rhythm to the race, I think you’ll see the best of him,” says Barzalona. “Normally he relaxes very well and saves his energy to produce a great turn of foot.”
The 4YO Tribalist from Godolphin and master trainer Andre Fabre could potentially participate in the HK$32 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile due to his tough and consistent record.
Barzalona says of the son of Farhh, “He’s a horse who can keep up a real gallop and who is very tough. He won the other day at Saint-Cloud on heavy ground, he is improving and he hasn’t had a really hard year. This is a great end-of-year objective for him.”
Happy Valley and Sha Tin are known for their exciting finishes, and it wouldn't be surprising if Mickael Barzalona is the jockey who waits until the last moment to make his move.