News

Able Friend Cruises to Mile Victory in Hong Kong

23rd Nov 2014

Inglis Easter graduate Able Friend cruised into favouritism for the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile in December with a dashing victory in the feature lead up today, the Group 2 Bochk Wealth Management Jockey Club Mile at Sha Tin.

Joao ‘Magic’ Moreira had the strapping chestnut in sixth position one off the fence on settling today. Able Friend showed his amazing turn of foot at the 300m mark to cruise away to a two length win over international Group 1 winners Gold-Fun and Ambitious Dragon.

“I can tell you, he is the best horse I have ridden,” Moreira told members of the media after the stunning victory. Trainer John Moore added that Able Friend needed today’s race to have him at peak fitness for next month, an ominous sign for the competition.

Dubbed ‘Big Red’ by racecaller Darren Flindell, Able Friend is now a pronounced favourite for the HK$23,000,000 Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at the Hong Kong International Raceday on Sunday 14 December 2014.

Able Friend (Shamardal x Ponte Piccolo) was bred by Stuart Ramsey and sold from his Turangga Farm draft to Hong Kong agent George Moore for $550,000 at the 2011 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

The most expensive son of Shamardal to be sold in Australia, Able Friend is trained in Hong Kong by champion trainer John Moore. Today’s win takes Able Friend’s earnings past HK$17,000,000 (=A$2,500,000) thanks to six wins and three placings from 11 starts at Sha Tin.

Able Friend is raced by Dr & Mrs Cornel Li Fook Kwan, who combined with John Moore to win the Hong Kong Mile in 2011 with Able One.

Able Friend is the third foal of Listed Keith Nolan Stakes winner Ponte Piccolo. Her sixth foal, a filly by Manhattan Rain, is set to be offered from Fairview Park Stud’s draft at the 2015 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Inglis Easter next year will be held on 7, 8 and 9 April 2015, between the two major racedays that make up The Championships at Royal Randwick in Sydney.