From the all-knowing, all-seeing Hong Kong Jockey Club.....
Seven trainers confirm to Ride for Charity
30 August 2007
Seven of Hong Kong's racehorse trainers will face the starter in the inaugural Ride for Charity on September 9, the opening day of the 2007/08 season.
This unique exhibition dash will take place over 800m down the Sha Tin straight before the first race of new campaign. The horses taking part are rated between 58 and 38 and they will compete at 'catch weights' - that is, without weight restrictions.
The runners and riders are as follows:
Trainer
Horse
Brand no
Ratings
Chang C W
SHINING DRAGON
C181
58
Cruz D
GANBARIA
E052
48
Lui K W
ARROGANCE
A177
57
Moore J
SUNNY GOLF
H138
51
Tsui Y S
GENERAL KINGY
B039
52
Yip C H
WILD ACE
H009
57
Yiu P F
SIR OCTAVIUS
B427
38
(RESERVE - GLOBE RIVER)
D228
32
Veteran sprinter General Kingy, to be ridden by Me Y S Tsui, is by far the most experienced of the runners down the Sha Tin chute having tackled the minimum distance 25 times for two wins and three placed runs. Tsui, who is much lighter than his fellow riders, has shown his gracious sportsmanship in agreeing to ride at 118 pounds.
John Moore is also riding a sprint specialist - albeit one with far less experience - in the three-year-old Sunny Golf who once placed in three attempts at the short course as a griffin last term.
Moore, 57, who rode in the 1970s, can't wait to climb into the saddle before a Hong Kong audience once again.
"I would like to thank the Jockey Club for this great innovation. Allowing the trainers to go out and compete will create a lot of fun and interest. It's great for all concerned, but most of all for charity because HK$200,000 is a lot of money," he said.
"My son George has seen me ride and says I'm possibly better off training - but that's his opinion! I'm riding Joyful Winner in the mornings, I'm getting fitter every day and I'm really looking forward to the race."
Highest rated of the field is Shining Dragon, the mount of Michael C W Chang, on a mark of 58. On the other hand, Ricky P F Yiu is aboard the lowest-ranked contender Sir Octavius (38). Yiu also has Globe River (32) as a reserve.
The barrier draw for the trainers' mounts will take place in the Jockey Club Box at Sha Tin Racecourse on Tuesday, September 4.
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