Ho Ho Khan (NZ) Claims Queen Mother Memorial Cup

Ho Ho Khan (NZ) (Makfi) could have been bought for $65,000 at the 2016 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, and he took his earnings past HK$6 million (NZ$1.2 million) with a victory in Sunday’s HK$3.25 million Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin.

With Vincent Ho in the saddle, the Westbury Stud graduate broke from the inside gate and settled in midfield beside the rail for the first two-thirds of the race.

Ho moved off the rail approaching the home turn, and at the top of the straight Ho Ho Khan was travelling boldly with only two rivals in front of him.

He accelerated smartly and took control at the 250-metre mark, kicking away to record his first black-type win by two and a half lengths.

“I knew he would handle the distance and as long as I balanced him up and had a nice, relaxed, smooth run he’d be a good chance,” Ho said. “He did it very well.

“He definitely could be competitive in top races. He has a good heart and a good temperament and he keeps improving.”

The win prompted trainer David Hall to look ahead to the Hong Kong International Races in December, where the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) or Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) could be on his agenda.

“My intention would be to put him away now and hopefully he can mature a bit more and we might have a horse for December,” he said.

“There’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge before that happens. But he certainly looks like he’s good enough to be there and warrant a solid prep for December.”

Ho Ho Khan has now had 14 starts for five wins, four placings and HK$6.28 million in stakes – more than 18 times his reserve at the Ready to Run Sale in 2016.