The sad loss of Hinchinbrook was highlighted yet again at Sha Tin on Sunday when his quality sprinter Beat the Clock led home an Aussie bred first four in the Group I HK International Sprint.
Partnered by Joao Moreira, the John Size-trained Beat The Clock earned his third win at the highest level.
Boom horse Aethero attempted to lead all the way but he began to shorten stride 100 metres out and he could not hold the challenge of the stablemates Beat The Clock and Hot King Prawn.
“When the gates opened he wasn’t fast enough. He didn’t settle where we wanted him to be which was a pair closer but once we were turning for home I could feel I had plenty in my hands and I realised he was coming to win the race with one furlong (200m) to go,” Moreira said.
“This will be in the back of my mind all my life. I’ve been associated with this horse for quite some time. Some people were doubting how good he was and rating him second to other horses in the race. He went there to prove today he’s the best sprinter in Hong Kong. And the best part of it is I don’t think that’s it, I think there’s more to come from him.”
John Size was glowing in his praise of Beat the Clock, who has never been off the board in a remarkable career with nine wins and 14 placings from 23 starts.
“It’s just his character I guess, his will to win and fighting spirit; all the good things that good horses have, he has all those attributes. He helps himself a lot with his training. He saves his energy for raceday. I think he’ll sleep for a week now. He used every ounce of energy in his body in today’s effort and it’s humbling to see a horse do that actually,” Size said.
“He’s a joy when he comes to the races, I can assure you of that. You’re going to come home with a cheque no matter what; he’s been an absolute pleasure. He was extremely brave in the run today. He didn’t look like he was going to win but we know with him he’s just not done until the finishing line comes up.”
Bred by Jilly Henderson from Lion Hunter mare Flion Fenena, Beat the Clock was a $200,000 NZB Ready to Run purchase from the Prima Park draft and was a successful pinhook for them having been originally snapped up for $70,000 from the Yarraman Park draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
The final crop of Hinchinbrook yearlings will be offered at the 2020 sales with 25 at Magic Millions and 18 at Inglis Classic.
