Red Lion claims Hong Kong Macau Trophy

Red Lion on his way to winning at Sha Tin. Photo: HKJC

Red Lion, and Irish-bred son of Belardo, claimed Saturday's Class 1 Hong Kong Macau Trophy Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin.

Unflappable jockey Alexis Badel charted a winning passage from barrier 13 on a yielding track, choosing to course wide in search of better ground for the first 800m before striking decisively.

“It was very smooth. I had all the benefits of the wide gate to take as much time as I needed to come across and once I realised I could have a nice spot behind the leader away from the rail on the good ground, I just seized the opportunity to track the leader,” the Frenchman said.

“Entering the home straight, I thought Circuit Stellar was going way better on the rail so I cut the corner to follow him, knowing that my horse would really enjoy the soft ground – his action was pretty good. He was strong on the line, carrying the light weight (116lb) which was a huge advantage. He’s a horse in very good form.”

“He’s got plenty to offer, he’s much more relaxed than he used to be, he’s much more professional than he used to be and he’s going to be a nice horse next season.”

Red Lion downed stablemate and favourite Beauty Eternal by one and three-quarter lengths, while Circuit Stellar fought bravely to finish a further half length further back in 1m 22.96s as Hong Kong horses filled the first six positions with Out To Win crossing in seventh for Macau.

“He (Red Lion) drew the right gate for it and looked like he was going to have every possible chance before the start of the race after the rain came and the track started to deteriorate,” Trainer John Size said. -HKJC