Ambitious Dragon Well Drawn for World’s Richest 2000m Race

9 December 2011

A pleasing barrier 5 draw has further encouraged champion jockey Douglas Whyte of his chances aboard Hong Kong’s reigning ‘Horse of the Year’, Ambitious Dragon (NZ), in the World’s richest 2000m race, the NZ$3.29 mil Gr.1 CATHAY PACIFIC HONG KONG CUP at Sha Tin this Sunday.

“It’s a lovely gate. The perfect draw really and from there I’ll have options. I’ll go home and do a little more work on the race, but I doubt that I’d ride him forward. I’m happy for him to settle and make use of his great turn of foot. He is one of the best horses I’ve ridden,” said Whyte after the draw.

The Tony Millard-prepared 5YO gelding has already served as a ‘dream come true’ horse for owner, Hong Kong businessman, Johnson Lam.

The Pat and Jane Lowry-bred Pins gelding was selected by Kiwi Bloodstock Agent Bruce Perry in 2008 and has since delivered in 8 of his 14 Hong Kong starts, with feature glory claimed in the G1 QEII Cup (2000m), the HK-1 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and in the HK-1 Classic Cup (1800m) last term.

In the build up to the 2011 Cup, Ambitious Dragon (NZ) has had the two starts. In the first, he claimed the HK-3 National Day Cup (1400m) and in the second he snared the runner-up dues in the Gr.2 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile (1600m).

The star 5YO son of Pins ex Golden Gamble (Oregon) jumps in the Sunday’s Gr.1 feature at 9:30pm (NZ time).

The Corner with Garry Chittick

If you enjoy racing, you will have enjoyed the past week. I am not a racing journalist, far too hard a task for me, but the odd observation to keep the two of you informed and alert deserves a little of my time. The Cup once again illustrated the theatre of racing beyond a mile.

4 November 2025

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