By Alan Carasso
Officials at the Hong Kong Jockey Club have extended an invitation to top Singaporean middle-distance galloper Quechua (Arg) (Pure Prize) to compete in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin Racecourse Dec. 11. The 6-year-old replaces GI Canadian International S. hero Erupt (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was withdrawn from the race following a subpar performance in the G1 Japan Cup Nov. 27.
“I'd like to thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the invitation. It's always fantastic to get the opportunity to measure up against the world's best,” said trainer Patrick Shaw, who saddled the legendary Rocket Man (Aus) (Viscount {Aus}) to a narrow runner-up effort behind J J the Jet Plane (SAf) (Jet Master {SAf}) in the 2010 G1 Hong Kong Sprint. “I hope to be there for the race, but I'm going back to South Africa as planned on the 6th of December. If my doctors give me the all-clear, I should be able to make it.”
Shaw is taking a 6 1/2-month sabbatical from training in Singapore beginning Dec. 15 to address health issues, and Quechua could be his last runner as a licensed trainer. The racing season at Kranji concludes Dec. 4.
A Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed in his native Argentina, Quechua is a five-time black-type winner and a two-time champion stayer in Singapore. Shaw, who has had a fair deal of success in the jurisdiction with horses from South America, trained Quechua to marquee victories in the 2014 Longines Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) (video) and in the 2015 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) (video).
Winner of eight of his 26 starts in Singapore and 10 of 34 overall, Quechua has banked S$2.8 million since his import and his overall bankroll stands at US$2,148,362. Barend Vorster, who has ridden Quechua at his last three runs, including a close fifth in this year's Gold Cup Nov. 20, will have the mount in the Vase.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
