Hong Kong sprinter Rich Tapestry has become the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win a major race in the United States.
Ridden by Olivier Doleuze for trainer Michael Chang, Rich Tapestry won the Grade One Santa Anita Sprint (1200m) to earn automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup.
“This feels great, I have made history and I am very proud of myself, Chang said.
“I am not a big trainer so this is very good for me. I must thank the owners for their support and trust in allowing me to bring the horse here, and also my stable staff for their hard work and the Hong Kong Jockey Club for supporting us to come here.”
The race featured two former Breeders’ Cup winners, Secret Circle, the defending Sprint winner, and Goldencents, who won the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
Doleuze and Chang discussed tactics and decided Rich Tapestry did not have to lead.
“I could have been on the lead if I wanted, but Michael wanted me to give him a chance,” Doleuze said.
“I was happy to relax him behind a few horses.”
Doleuze angled Rich Tapestry to the outside on the turn and he loomed up to Goldencents with pair battling to the post.
Rich Tapestry prevailed by a nose for his historic victory.