IMBONGI GETS WORLD’S HOTTEST JOCKEY

Christophe Soumillon
(Photo : Journal de l’Equitation)

IMBONGI, CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON AND THE HONG KONG MILE

News yesterday morning, was that Europe’s best jockey, Christophe Soumillon had confirmed his availability for the ride on Imbongi in next week’s Hong Kong Mile. It’s no different to the motor racing world, where it matters whether you get Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher. The jockey counts, and this a first step in the right direction.

Imbongi is still sitting in Dubai, awaiting the conclusion of his quarantine after a cracker of a season during the Carnival, and ran a “buster” of a run on World Cup night. He must’ve been looking forward to his break, though Mike de Kock knows, you can’t rest forever. The Hong Kong Mile is always one of the most competitive events at the distance in the world, and this one will be no different. Imbongi will have to be at the top of his game to justify Soumillon’s trip across the eight time zones to partner him.

Knowing Imbongi, he’ll make it count. 

HK$12MILLION CHAMPIONS MILE (Group 1)
Sha Tin, 1600m, Turf
25 April 2010

Final Selections

Horse	Country	Int Rating	Age	Weight (lb)	Trainer
GOOD BA BA (USA)**	Hong Kong	112	8	126	Derek Cruz
EGYPTIAN RA (NZ)*	Hong Kong	119	8	126	Tony Cruz
FELLOWSHIP (NZ)*	Hong Kong	118	7	126	Paul O’Sullivan
SIGHT WINNER (NZ)**	Hong Kong	117	6	126	John Size
ABLE ONE (NZ)**	Hong Kong	116	7	126	John Moore
BEAUTY FLASH (NZ)*	Hong Kong	116	4	126	Tony Cruz
DAO DAO (AUS)	Australia	116	6	126	John Hawkes
THUMBS UP (NZ)*	Hong Kong	115	5	126	Danny Shum
CAT JUNIOR (USA)	Great Britain	114	5	126	Brian Meehan
IMBONGI (SAF)	South Africa	114	5	126	Mike de Kock
SUNNY KING (IRE)	Hong Kong	114	7	126	John Moore
FAIR TRADE (AUS)	Hong Kong	111	4	126	Caspar Fownes
BRAVE KID (AUS)	Hong Kong	110	4	126	John Size

Note :
** International Group 1 Winner
* Hong Kong Group 1 Winner