International body ratifies Hong Kong's newest international feature
The Chairman's Sprint Prize is Hong Kong's newest international Group One race after the move gained global approval yesterday. The Jockey Club sought to open the race to all-comers after last week's surprise announcement that Singapore was discontinuing its May international features. With the new status rubber-stamped by the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee in Paris yesterday, it will now be run a week later on the Champions Mile card on May 1 and will have its prize money lifted to HK$10 million. "The loss of the KrisFlyer International Sprint left a significant void in the Group One sprint programme, particularly here in Asia," Jockey Club chief Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges explained. Andrew Hawkins
Apprentice Jack Wong gains tick of approval from Douglas Whyte
Jack Wong Ho-nam has never been more thrilled to have an interview interrupted than when legend Douglas Whyte interjected during his chat with the press to praise the apprentice's "perfect" front-running ride on Horse Aplenty. "He isn't an easy horse to ride and Jack got it spot on. He got the tempo perfect in front and he showed after what happened the other day that he is learning," Whyte said, referring to Wong's ride on Born To Win at the National Day meeting, where the 10-pound claimer tore through some suicidal early sectionals. "I was embarrassed after that ride, I came back and thought, 'What was I thinking?' But today was great, I hope I can build on it," Wong said. Michael Cox
Karis Teetan's loyalty pays off as Millard galloper scores
Tony Millard-trained Gallant Rock finally repaid part of his debt to jockey Karis Teetan when he enjoyed the best of the straight course bias to clear out for a maiden Class Four victory. Gallant Rock's usual speed was there in abundance but the four-year-old went on with things in the final 200m, which was new. "I bought Gallant Rock and Strathmore at the same sale and Karis was riding both of them early on.When they both had their first run in the same griffin race, Karis had to make a choice, and he chose this one," Millard said, while Tommy Berry got on as Strathmore won. "This guy has always shown something in his track work but he hasn't brought it to the races. Hopefully we saw the penny drop today." Meanwhile, in the same race, Alvin Ng Ka-chun (I'm A Witness) picked up a careless riding ban for an incident in the final 300m. Alan Aitken
