Kiwi Becomes ‘Hong Kong Warrior’

Star kiwi sprinter Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins) dashed to Group 1 glory in the HK$18,500,000 The Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last night at Sha Tin.

Aerovelocity (NZ) triumphant in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint. Photo courtesy of HKJC.

Aerovelocity is the first kiwi-bred horse to win the iconic Hong Kong Sprint, trained by former top New Zealand trainer Paul O’Sullivan who is now based in Hong Kong.

“It was a fantastic run by Aerovelocity,” commented Paul O’Sullivan. “It is a tough race to win, he will be known as the ‘Hong Kong Warrior’ after this win.

“I haven’t planned past the Hong Kong Sprint but I will look to race him in Dubai or Singapore. Although they are left handed tracks, it will be something to look forward to.”

After having no luck last start, rider Zac Purton took luck out of play as he went straight to the front on Aerovelocity. The son of Pins led throughout the race, resisting all challenges to win by a neck.  Peniaphobia (Dandy Man) and Straight Girl (Fuji Kiseki) finished second and third respectively.

Wexford Stables trainer Andrew Scott prepared Aerovelocity in New Zealand where he raced as Naisoso Warrior. The son of Pins placed in all four of his trials and broke his maiden status in his first start. Nine months after his racing debut he was racing for Paul O’Sullivan in Hong Kong.

Sunday’s victory was Aerovelocity’s eighth win from 15 starts, having already won the HK-2 Premier Bowl and the HK-3 HKJC Sha Tin Vase. The six-year-old gelding has now earned a total of $2,928,189 for owner Daniel Yeung Ngai.

Trainer Paul O’Sullivan purchased him at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $120,000 from Windsor Park Stud.

Bred by Nelson Schick and Steve Till, Aerovelocity is out of winning mare Exodus (Kaapstad) who is a half-sister to Kapitain Kash (Kaapstad), winner of the Group 2 Counties Cup and Group 3 Rotorua Cup.

The Hong Kong International meeting attracts the best horses from around the world with kiwi gallopers acquitting themselves admirably. Along with Aerovelocity’s win, kiwis placed in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase with Khaya (NZ) (Librettist), and Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) finished third in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup.