Irridescence Triumphs at Hong Kong Horse Racing

South Africa is emerging as a serious horse racing country with several horses worth following. Irridescence, a horse with strong South African links emerged triumphant at the HK$14m QE2 Cup at Sha-Tin racecourse in Hong Kong. Irridescence runs in the colors of American syndicate Team Valor, but his owner Barry Irwin, is a big supporter of South African racing.

Irridescence ran unplaced in last year's Vodacom July but his trainer, Mike de Kock has always rated the horse as an excellent performer and his opinion was fully vindicated yesterday. Jockey Weichong Marwing was in command all through though the New Zealand-bred gelding Best Gift, seemed a bit of a danger in the drive to the wire. Dettori finished third on Ouija Board, the highly regarded British-born filly. The Hong Kong result reiterated that Hong Kong continues to produce world-class riders like Weichong Marwing, who was superb in the finish.

"This is a splendid result for South African racing and congratulations to Weichong for the ride of the year," opined champion trainer Geoff Woodruff.

The timing of Irridescence’s victory in such an important race could not have been better. The Emperors Palace national yearling sales are due to commence at the TBA complex at Gosforth Park, Germiston, at the end of the week. Although there are not as many overseas buyers in recent years, this latest overseas win is a feather in the cap and provides more points to those who believe that the South African bloodstock market offers excellent value for money.