Snow Fairy Takes Hong Kong Cup
The well known Hong Kong Cup is open to horses that are three-years-old and older, and is one of the most prestigious thoroughbred horse racing events on the calendar. It is a Group 1 event that is run over a distance of two thousand meters and has a lucrative purse amount of HK$ 20 000 000 waiting for the winner. This international event is supported by numerous international competitors each year. Even though it was inaugurated in 1988, the event was only opened to international horses the following year. This year, a British competitor took Sha Tin by storm and ran away with the 2010 Hong Kong Cup.
Sha Tin Racecourse was a scene of excitement and thrills as the field of thirteen competitors came galloping along the home stretch. Many local spectators were hoping that their chances lay either with last year’s winner, Vision D’Etat, or Hong Kong racing sensation, Irian. But Snow Fairy, ridden by Ryan Moore, was determined and showed tremendous strength to the end of the race. At first, it seemed to everyone that the British filly just did not have what it took to win such a huge event. But slowly she began to regain her stride and allowed Moore to lead her to victory.
After the race, while trying to come to terms with his victory and the £1 million that Snow Fairy has just secured, Moore spoke about his ride, commenting, “At the top of the bend, I thought I had no chance. But fortunately, they just came back to me. She’s a machine, really. She has such a brilliant turn-of-foot. She did what we thought she could, and she surpassed it.” It was a spectacular race that offered the almost fifty-five thousand spectators an event they will never forget.
Finishing in second position at Sha Tin Racecourse was Irian, followed by Packing Winner, Vision D’Etat, Planteur, Super Satin, Cirrus Des Aigles, Stacelita, Reggane, Super Pistachio, Sri Putra, Glass Harmonium and Collection. Snow Fairy is trained by Edward Dunlop, who has enjoyed numerous victories with this talented filly, including the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup, Irish Oaks and English Oaks. But the Hong Kong Cup is most definitely one of the most memorable victories to date.
