His name was Dilek (FR) and he had been trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre in France where he'd hit the board 5 of 6 times (he had won 4), beating horses such as Champs Elysees home.
http://www.hkjc.com/english/pp_formsheet/fse_H110.pdf
When the infamous Stanley Ho of Macau bought him, he changed his name. Comic Strip had become Viva Pataca and later when Kid Mambo was acquired his was changed to Viva Hong Kong... Dilek (who was also trained by Moore) became Viva Macau.
An awfully nice horse, he kinda becamse the 2nd banana to his more-famous stable mate. He always reminded me of the little brother or sister who could never quite measure up. For some of us who grew up being the youngest, it's easy to relate.
Viva Macau raced 29 times in HK and once in Dubai. He only won 2 (hit the board an additional 4 times), but his fans will never forget the barrier trial where he beat Viva Pataca home. It was wonderful.
His greatest moments.... winnng the Class 1 Sa Sa Ladies Purse...
October, 2007...
http://www.hkjc.com/english/racing/r...2007&raceno=08
October, 2008...
http://www.hkjc.com/english/racing/r...2008&raceno=08
He retires with a rating of 109.
Thanks for the memories.
