Gallant! He got the highest honor!

[my miss storm cat]

The Duke gets an official farewell.....

http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2008010417874.htm


Farewell for The Duke at Sha Tin on Sunday

4 January 2008

The Duke, the first ever Hong Kong International Sale graduate to win an International Group 1 race, has retired after finishing 2007 on a high note. The Hong Kong Jockey Club will stage a farewell ceremony for this local racing hero at this Sunday's (6 January) race meeting, and all racegoers are welcome to come to Sha Tin and say their own goodbyes to him.

Having been sold for just HK$1.6 million at the Hong Kong International Sale in 2001, The Duke is unarguably the most outstanding HKIS graduate to date. Not only was he the first HKIS graduate to win an International Group 1 race - the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile in 2006 - he is also the top current earner among all HKIS graduates, amassing a total career purse of HK$31,291,500.

The Club's Executive Director of Racing, William A Nader, believes The Duke's successful career symbolises the rising significance of the Hong Kong International Sale in the international thoroughbreds market. "His landmark achievements have further boosted the reputation of our International Sale around the world," he commented.

Apart from his success in the 2006 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile, when he defeated Armada (later Hong Kong's champion miler) and Ramonti (recent winner of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup) as a seven-year-old, The Duke outclassed a host of quality overseas contenders to finish third and second respectively in the 2004 and 2005 editions of the Hong Kong Mile.

"His splendid performance against other top overseas milers over the years has definitely brought glory to Hong Kong, and it underlines his competence and consistency at the international level," Mr Nader said.

Trained by Caspar Fownes, the brilliant son of Danehill was ranked equal 26th in the 2006/07 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings in August 2007, at an international rating of 117.

The eight-year-oldgeldingwill soon leave for New Zealand to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

"The Duke was the best horse I have ever trained, giving me a lot of fun and joyful moments. He has a distinct character with a big heart and plenty of fighting spirit. I shall always miss him!" said Fownes, the Champion Trainer in 2006/07 season.

Attachment: Profile of The Duke


Photo:
The Duke (Jockey Olivier Doleuze) captures the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile (International Gr.1-1600M) with a head margin from another Hong Kong runner Armada (Douglas Whyte) on Sunday, 10 December 2006.


Hurry up and leave Gulfstream and get your butt over there!

[my miss storm cat]

Okay I'm outta here for now so if a blonde bimbo with a Powerscourt hat appears at any given Gulfstream-area hotel, please click and listen.....

http://www.hkjc.com/english/press/live.asp

Bye, Duke.

[my miss storm cat]

Photos.....

http://www.hkjc.com/english/news/news_2008010617881.htm