Jockey James McDonald attributed a dramatic Hong Kong Gold Cup (G1) victory to Voyage Bubble‘s class and courage after the pair overcame several obstacles at Sha Tin Feb. 23.
Having arrived at Sha Tin from Riyadh, where he partnered Romantic Warrior into second place in a pulsating Saudi Cup (G1), McDonald encountered trouble near the 800 meters when Voyage Bubble clipped heels resulting in the pair being shuffled to second-last in the ten-runner field.
Unflustered, McDonald regrouped before spearing a willing Voyage Bubble through a gap at the 300 meters before the gelding powered clear away from Ensued to win by almost four lengths in 2:59 with Chancheng Glory in third.
“It wasn’t smooth sailing but he’s a great racehorse,” McDonald said. “I’m lucky to have him as a partner because he got me out of a sticky situation. It was very muddling and he overcame many obstacles throughout that race to come away for a great victory.
“We got shuffled back but he’s a great racehorse and he got us out of trouble. We might have found a new way of riding him as well. Who knows?
“He’s not a one-trick pony, he’s got so many strings to his bow and I really enjoy riding him even though it was hairy through the middle stages—it wasn’t ideal at all.”
With his tenth victory from 24 starts, Voyage Bubble kept alive hopes of landing a HK$10 million (approx. US$1,286,960) bonus for winning all three legs of the Triple Crown Series. With the Stewards’ Cup (G1) and Hong Kong Gold Cup already secured, the gelding needs to win the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (G1) at 2,400 meters May 25 to sweep the series and become the second horse to do so since River Verdon in 1993-94.
“That’s (2,400 meters) another pain barrier he’s got to go through and he’s a great racehorse and we have seen it with the great horse (Romantic Warrior) last night how good these Hong Kong horses are—they’re as tough as they come—and they fly the flag anywhere,” McDonald said. “Definitely going to be a new challenge for him, but he’s up to it.”
Reveling in his first group 1 success at 2000 meters, trainer P.F. Yiu said: “I’m a bit optimistic to run him over 2400 meters. Before James takes off we’re going to have a little celebration party and I’m going to have a good chat with him to see where we go next. I’m pretty optimistic—we’ll take the challenge.”
