Peter Ho-trained Mr Medici slogged his way through the rain to win the Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup at Sha Tin today and record his first ever HK G1 victory in a career notable for consistent improvement. In doing so the Irish bred five-year-old, who has progressed to Group 1 level from an initial rating of 88, outstayed both Derby runner up Super Pistachio, who had soft ground form in Europe, and Viva Pataca, winner of the 2400m supreme test for stayers for three of the previous four years.
His triumph was a second victory at the top level for trainer Peter Ho who sent out Packing Winner to disrupt Viva Pataca's winning run in the same race in 2008. It also provided jockey Gerald Mosse, who had flown back from France just to take the ride, with his first victory in the final leg of the Triple Crown.
The continuous rainfall from the start of racing, which eventually cAUSed the last two races to be abandoned, cAUSed varied feelings among connections of all seven runners as the time of the race approached. Even Mosse who had been hoping for rain for his mount felt a bit of trepidation as he watched it gush down: "Actually" said the beaming Frenchman "this was a bit more than we wanted or expected but he coped with it so well. He just picked up in the straight and kept going and I never felt they were going to get him once he got to the front."
A brave Viva Pataca stuck on very gamely and looked a threat until his run came to an end 150m from the line and it was left to Derby runner up Super Pistachio, another seemingly untroubled by the conditions, to fight on strongly on the rail to take second place.
Winning trainer Peter Ho was thrilled with his horse's performance. "We were delighted when we saw it raining" he said. "We knew we had the best horse for the conditions. Gerald rang me from France saying he would like the ride. I told him I would have to ask the owner (Allen Shi Lop Tak) becAUSe he had to pay the bills, and Allen said 'Yes, but make sure to tell him to win the race for me!'."
Mosse and Mr Medici did their part. Now Ho is thinking in terms of the Caulfield Cup or the Cox Plate for his new Group 1 star, and if the improvement continues as it has so far he will be a threat to all in either - especially if it rains.
For most of the others the conditions and the winner's tenacity proved just too much.
Caspar Fownes was philosophical about his Derby winner Super Satin who trailed home last. "He's had a long season and he just couldn't act on the track." said the champion trainer.
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