 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Invincible Sage, a rising star in Hong Kong's racing scene, clinched victory in the prestigious Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize on a rain-dampened Sha Tin track on 28th April. This triumph marked David Hall's first top-level win since 2008.
Guided skillfully by jockey Hugh Bowman, Invincible Sage patiently trailed behind pace-setters Victor The Winner and California Spangle before making a decisive move, surging ahead to claim victory by one and a half lengths in a time of 1 minute and 9.33 seconds. For Hall, this win stands as his most significant achievement in Hong Kong since Absolute Champion’s Centenary Sprint Cup triumph 16 years ago.
California Spangle, seeming uneasy on the yielding track and encountering difficulties in finding rhythm under pressure from Mad Cool early on, settled for second place, while Mugen secured third. Hall's Flying Ace also put on an impressive performance, finishing fourth on what proved to be a memorable day for the trainer.
“It’s been a long time between drinks, of course. As everybody says, this is what you get out of bed for in the mornings. It’s been a bit of a drought for us at the top level so this is certainly a very satisfying win,” Hall said.
According to Hall, he was unsure to what extent the soft ground had favored Invincible Sage.
“It’s hard to judge that,” he said. “Until we see him do that on a firm deck, I don’t know.
“But he has been progressive and he is just one of those horses where you are still defining where you think he is at.
“He is only a little horse and you don’t sort of dream that high. He has done it progressively and got the conditions to suit him again today. It was an easy watch.”
Before joining Hall as a syndicate horse, the 4YO achieved three consecutive victories as a 2YO in Australia, along with two minor placings, racing under the name Thron Bone. All three of its Australian wins occurred on soft tracks, instilling confidence in Hall as the Sha Tin track was rated as yielding after more than 250mm through the week.
Trainer Tony Cruz was hoping for a firm track for California Spangle, the reinvented Hong Kong sprinter aiming for his third consecutive Group One win. As anticipated, Victor The Winner and California Spangle both vied for the early lead, while Invincible Sage sat off the pair before emerging victorious.
Mugen trainer Pierre Ng could set his sights on the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in September following Invincible Sage's triumph. Despite winning the Gr.1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen on a rain-sodden Chukyo Racecourse in Japan at his last start, Japanese raider Mad Cool failed to run on after placing pressure on the early leaders.
Invincible Sage had previously demonstrated its prowess when it came second to Lucky Sweynesse in the Gr.2 Sprint Cup. Winning rider Hugh Bowman spoke highly of Invincible Sage, describing the gelding as top-class.
“I think a rain-affected track may have assisted his performance but even on a dry I think we would have seen a winning performance today,” he said.
“I am so proud of him and he has just settled in beautifully since arriving in Hong Kong. I had a bit of success with him last season and I have enjoyed watching him progress through the grades.
“Since Christine and I and the kids arrived mid-way through last season, he (Daivd Hall) has been a stellar support the entire time.
“It means a great deal to ride this winner for David and the entire team.”
Invincible Sage was described by Bowman as the quintessential Hong Kong sprinter and he expressed his pride for him.
“He has come here and he has adapted to the lifestyle,” he said. “He has put on weight and looks magnificent and it’s just an absolute pleasure to be part of it.”