California Memory reminded his rivals that he still wears the crown as he warmed up for a defence of his G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (9 December) title with a gusty last-gasp victory in the G2 LONGINES Jockey Club Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Sunday 18 November.

California all heart in LONGINES Jockey Club Cup triumph

18/11/2012

California Memory reminded his rivals that he still wears the crown as he warmed up for a defence of his G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (9 December) title with a gusty last-gasp victory in the G2 LONGINES Jockey Club Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Sunday 18 November.

Drawn widest in Gate 13, the diminutive grey showed the battling qualities and devastating late drive that have made him a favourite with Hong Kong race fans, as he swept from the tail to grasp the spoils in the final stride of the 2000m contest – his first win since last December’s Hong Kong Cup.

“They went a bit hard up front which suited us but we were just running our own race and he finished the race off well enough to win,” said winning rider Matthew Chadwick. “He’s definitely improved for his last run and hopefully he’ll pull up sound, and we’ll be looking for the big one in December. He’s a small horse but he’s got the biggest heart!”

Trainer Tony Cruz echoed those sentiments after watching his stable star overcome a bump at the 300m mark to overhaul the John Moore-trained Irian on the nod by a short-head. Moore’s Zaidan was a further short-head back in third as California Memory stopped the clock in a smart 2m 01.51s.

“When he pulled up after his last run he was sound – he wasn’t sore even – so I was very happy about that and I was confident he was coming here with a great chance today.  So long as he pulls up sound again tomorrow, we’re in for a serious race again on the big day,” said the trainer of the talented six-year-old, who has been plagued by leg troubles.

“We weren’t afraid of Gate 13 either. The race panned out pretty fast, which suited us perfectly so long as Matthew just took his time. He came on very strong and giving 5lbs to the field, you can see how big his heart was in the final stages. He just kept digging deep and at the top of the straight he got a little bump too.

“Heading into the big race on December 9, I’m very happy providing he pulls up sound. I think if he’s sound and not sore, he’ll be just as good as he was last year.”

California Memory’s sights are now set firmly on a repeat win in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup over the course and distance at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races next month.

Photo 1, 2, 3<br> Producing a strong late charge in a thrilling finish, the Tony Cruz-trained California Memory (red cap, grey horse), ridden by Matthew Chadwick, nods home first to win the LONGINES Jockey Club Cup (G2 - 2000m) at Sha Tin racecourse today.
Photo 1:
Photo 1, 2, 3
Producing a strong late charge in a thrilling finish, the Tony Cruz-trained California Memory (red cap, grey horse), ridden by Matthew Chadwick, nods home first to win the LONGINES Jockey Club Cup (G2 – 2000m) at Sha Tin racecourse today.


Photo 2


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Photo 4, 5, 6<br> Jockey Matthew Chadwick, trainer Tony Cruz, and connections of California Memory celebrate their victory after the race.
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Photo 4, 5, 6
Jockey Matthew Chadwick, trainer Tony Cruz, and connections of California Memory celebrate their victory after the race.


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Photo 7, 8, 9<br> Club Steward Dr Christopher Cheng Wai Chee presents the LONGINES Jockey Club Cup winning trophies to the Owner representative of California Memory, winning trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Matthew Chadwick.
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Photo 7, 8, 9
Club Steward Dr Christopher Cheng Wai Chee presents the LONGINES Jockey Club Cup winning trophies to the Owner representative of California Memory, winning trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Matthew Chadwick.


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Photo 10, 11, 12<br> Charles Villoz, Vice President and Head of International Sales of LONGINES International, and Karen Au Yeung, Vice President of LONGINES HK, present watches from The LONGINES Saint-Imier Collection to Howard Liang Yum Shing, Owner of race winner California Memory, trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Matthew Chadwick.
Photo 10:
Photo 10, 11, 12
Charles Villoz, Vice President and Head of International Sales of LONGINES International, and Karen Au Yeung, Vice President of LONGINES HK, present watches from The LONGINES Saint-Imier Collection to Howard Liang Yum Shing, Owner of race winner California Memory, trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Matthew Chadwick.


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The Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson; HKJC Stewards; Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; top executives of LONGINES and connections of LONGINES Jockey Club Cup winner California Memory pose for a group photo at the presentation ceremony.
Photo 13:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson; HKJC Stewards; Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; top executives of LONGINES and connections of LONGINES Jockey Club Cup winner California Memory pose for a group photo at the presentation ceremony.

Before the race, Charles Villoz, Vice President and Head of International Sales of LONGINES International, presents a HK$2,000 prize to the Stables Assistant responsible for Packing Whiz, the best turned out horse in the LONGINES Jockey Club Cup.
Photo 14:
Before the race, Charles Villoz, Vice President and Head of International Sales of LONGINES International, presents a HK$2,000 prize to the Stables Assistant responsible for Packing Whiz, the best turned out horse in the LONGINES Jockey Club Cup.

fonte: The Hong Kong Jockey Club