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| Sumita Pawar |
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Trainer Ed Walker has announced that Waipiro, the Royal Ascot winner, will pursue his career in Hong Kong.
In just four starts this term, the 3YO has achieved remarkable progress, securing victory in a Newmarket novice race in April. Furthermore, they went on to secure a second-place finish in the Lingfield Derby Trial and a commendable sixth place in the prestigious Epsom Classic.
Waipiro: A Rising Star For Hong Kong's Derby Dreams
Last week, Waipiro had his best performance to date in the Gr.3 Hampton Court Stakes, winning by a comfortable two-and-a-half lengths over Exoplanet, after dropping back to 10 furlongs.
Waipiro, a half-brother to Waikuku who has achieved multiple Group One wins in Hong Kong, will no longer race for Walker. Instead, the Siu family, the owners, have decided to focus on preparing him for the Hong Kong Derby in March.
Walker told Racing TV, “The reason I have horses for the Siu family, and they are such great supporters, is for that reason, to produce horses for Hong Kong.
“He’s the perfect horse for the Hong Kong Derby. Mr Siu tries to buy one or two horses for the Hong Kong Derby every year and why would you not take Waipiro and try to buy another one.
“Every owner in Hong Kong wanting a European horse for the Derby would want Waipiro. He’s the perfect horse — loves fast ground, has a high cruising speed, huge talent, 10 furlongs, he’s the right horse for the job.”