Waikato's Win Seals Trip to Hong Kong Sprint
17 November 2008
Karaka Premier Sale graduate Waikato (Pins - Skywalker Wilkes, by Skywalker) won the 1200m Open Stakes in Singapore on Friday night, a victory that has cemented plans for a tilt at the prestigious Hong Kong Sprint on December 14.
His trainer, kiwi Laurie Laxon, was unable to be at the race meeting due to his attendance at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run 2yo Sale (this Tuesday and Wednesday), but from Karaka Laxon commented that he was delighted with Waikato's win, and that the horse would head towards the Group 1 Hong Kong International Sprint after pulling up well in the Friday night feature.
Purchased by Laxon from Highview Stud at the 2005 Karaka Premier Sale for NZ$50,000, Waikato jumped well and led throughout to claim the feature for jockey Saimee Jumait.
Jumait commented, "I was able to control the race from the front. He showed tonight that he was right back to his best. Even watching him in the parade ring before the race showed that he was in good condition. He was prancing around and very full of himself.
"I think tonight he showed he would be a worthy competitor in Hong Kong. He's got four weeks to that race which should be ideal for him."
Waikato has accumulated S$870,000 in winnings for his owners Silver Fern Racing, a great reward for Laxon and his owners who have been loyal supporters of the New Zealand thoroughbred.
New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale was also in the spotlight with the sixth event on the card, taken out by Liang Kee (City on a Hill - Russian Dancer, by Zephyr Ace) for trainer Cliff Brown and the Southern Sky Kingdom Stable. Liang Kee was purchased by Liow Kip Lee for NZ$30,000 from Sally's Stable.
New Zealand-breds won a further two races on the nine race card with Dylan (Cape Cross - Kiss is Better, by Catrail) winning the Progress 1200m for owners Oscar Racing Stable, whilst making it two winners for trainer Laurie Laxon on the night. Fellow Kiwi-bred Shing Yi (Danske - Elle Taine, by Centaine) won a class 4 event over 1000m for owners El Bingo Racing Stable and trainer Chua Choon Book.