Byron’ Hong Kong Bound

Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla and Morgan Cahalan’s recent GII QIPCO British Champions Sprint S. hero Gordon Lord Byron (Ire) (Byron {GB}) will be prepared for a trip to Hong Kong in December after a potential Breeders’ Cup mission failed to materialize. Tom Hogan’s stable star produced a telling turn of foot to secure another big prize on Champions Day at Ascot earlier this month, after which the trainer suggested a possible appearance at Santa Anita could come under consideration. However, the three-time winner at the highest level will instead head back to the Far East, having finished fourth in the G1 Hong Kong Mile for the last two years. 

“He didn’t get an entry at the Breeders’ Cup,” said Hogan. “He wasn’t nominated and the whole operation was a bit prohibitive, money-wise. It’s a shame, but hopefully he might go there [America] next year. He came back from Ascot in great shape and, all going well, he’ll run in Hong Kong Dec. 14. 

Continued Hogan, “He’ll be entered for the Hong Kong Mile and the Sprint and we’ll make up our minds on which way we’ll go nearer the time.”