HKJC...
Tsui draws centrally in Trainers Ride For Charity
11 September 2008
Me Tsui Yu-sak, the nominal favourite for the Trainers Ride For Charity, drew in between rivals Derek Cruz and Paul O'Sullivan at this morning's barrier draw for the curtain raiser to the new season next Monday, 15 September at Sha Tin.
Tsui, third in the trainers' premiership last season, will exit gate 2 aboard Bodacious in the 800m dash for charity with O'Sullivan to his inside on Sambuoyant and defending champion Derek Cruz racing from stall 3 on Bobo Win.
There is little between the three horses taking part on official ratings, although they will compete at 'catch weights' - that is, without weight restrictions apart from a minimum impost of 125lbs.
This year's winner will collect a cheque for HK$200,000 to the charity of the trainer and owners' choice of charity with HK$100,000 to the first and second runners-up and Tsui has nominated UNICEF to benefit from his endeavours in the saddle.
Paul O'Sullivan and Sambuoyant's owners have decided the Rosary Church in Tsim Sha Tsui should gain from their participation.
Asked why he chose to ride Sambuoyant, O'Sullivan, who has recently re-accustomed himself to riding out in the mornings, replied: "Because he's quiet!"
"I reckon I'm shooting for third place against Derek and Me Tsui, who are so much fitter, but I'm guaranteed a nice sum of money for a good cause so I'm delighted to take part," last year's Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby winning trainer smiled.
Last year Derek Cruz came with a late burst aboard Ganbaria to steal the inaugural Trainers Ride For Charity and 12 months later he relies on the nine-year-old Bobo Win.
Cruz's donation will go to the Asia Foundation to assist with the redevelopment in Sichuan province after the earthquake in May.
"Personally, I think I'm fitter than this time last year and I'm happy with the horse because he has early pace - I think he'll go well," said Cruz.
Publicly crediting the sportsmanship of the participating trainers and owners, Mr William A. Nader, Executive Director, Racing, said the event would open the 2008/09 season in the best possible manner.
And as a summer of Equestrianism at Sha Tin draws to a close, to keep with the Olympic theme, Mr Nader added that each of the three trainers would ride for a gold, silver and bronze medal.