All Too Easy for Wellington at Sha Tin

Outstanding Hong Kong galloper Wellington (All Too Hard-Mihiri, by More Than Ready) produced a stunning home straight surge to notch the biggest win of his career to date in Sunday’s HK$18 million Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. The son of leading Vinery Stud stallion All Too Hard (Casino Prince-Helsinge, by Bel Esprit) responded brilliantly when asked by race jockey Alexis Badel and the pair reeled in the leaders and then raced clear for an easy win. At only his tenth lifetime start, Wellington quickly established himself as one of finest short course performers in the region when he beat the best sprinters Hong Kong and Japan could muster. The win was a triumph for English trainer Richard Gibson and was the biggest win in Hong Kong for French jockey Alexis Badel. “He had a perfect trip. He was a lot more relaxed than last time,” said Badel. “When I put a little bit of pressure on my horse he responded so well. He's a top-class horse and he proved that today." Wellington was a $70,000 buy from the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for Victoria's Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm. He was educated in Victoria and showed high class ability when based at John McArdle's Redgum Racing. The All Too Hard gelding was sold to Hong Kong when he quickly become a star of the future with three wins from as many starts. As it now stands Wellington boasts seven wins and a second placing from just 10 starts and he's earned connections the equivalent of over A$3 million. Wellington was purchased by James O'Brien and his Lauriston team from the draft of Kia Ora Stud who bred the star sprinter in partnership with David Paradise and Steve McCann. He is the first foal of his dam Mihiri (a Sydney winner and group-performed daughter of More Than Ready) who ran third in the Gr2 Breeders Classic at Rosehill behind Catkins (Dubawi) and Lilliburlero (Redoute’s Choice).

Wellington is Hong Kong's new rising sprint star (pic: hkjc.com)