Richard Gibson believes Wellington is in peak condition as Hong Kong’s reigning Champion Sprinter chases G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) glory at Royal Ascot on Saturday (24 June).
As four-time Group 1 winner Wellington completed preparations at the idyllic Manton Estate, west of London, Gibson said the six-year-old had flourished in the rural serenity ahead of tomorrow night’s feature dash.
“He’s in top condition. He’s really thrived and horses when they travel out of Hong Kong and get to see facilities like this, they thrive – and they smile. Look at him, he’s got a grin on his face every day – and why wouldn’t you?” Gibson said.
“There’s no doubt about it, if he produces his Hong Kong form, he’s got a terrific chance.”
To be ridden by nine-time Royal Ascot leading jockey Ryan Moore, Wellington will start from barrier 15 on the nearside of the Ascot straight course with Tuesday’s G1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) runner-up Highfield Princess to jump alongside from the outside stall of 16.
Last year’s G1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (1200m) winner Naval Crown started from barrier 20 in the 24-horse field, plotting a course along the nearside of the uphill course to triumph, while runner-up Creative Force began from barrier one with third-place dead-heaters Artorius (two) and Campanelle (15) starting wide apart.
Artorius, who is the pre-post favourite in the United Kingdom for this year’s contest, has drawn barrier eight this time.
Since 2011, four horses – Black Caviar (15), Lethal Force (15), Merchant Navy (11) and Naval Crown (20) – have won after starting on or near the outside of the field.
“I don’t think the draw is going to come into play this time,” Gibson said. “What I did out of interest was to look at the last 10 years of the race to see where they were coming from and I know the other runners well.
“Wellington’s in good form and, as I said, he’s got a terrific chance.”
Gibson saddled Gold-Fun to a narrow second in this race in 2016 and maintains Wellington is better placed to succeed – provided he produces his best.
“Actually, Gold-Fun came to Ascot a year too late. This guy is a much healthier horse and he’s in top shape,” Gibson said.
Determined to ensure Wellington would not fret on the journey from Hong Kong, Gibson decided to take lead pony and former racehorse Kwaichung Brothers on the trip as a companion for his flagship galloper.
“I’m delighted we’ve brought our lead horse – these details are important. Wellington would be lost without him on the trip and it’s very important that he comes and he’s played an important role,” Gibson said at Manton Estate, where Hong Kong International Sale horses are prepared by Group 1-winning trainer Brian Meehan.
“It’s Martyn Meade here at Manton who’s allowed us to come and, of course, Brian has very kindly produced some first-class accommodation for us. Obviously, this property is steeped in history and is one of the most historic private training centres in the world, so we’re very, very lucky to be here.”
Wellington will attempt to become Hong Kong’s first Royal Ascot winner since Little Bridge’s victory in the 2012 King’s Stand for Danny Shum and Zac Purton.
Reflecting this week on Little Bridge’s magnificent success, Shum said: “Amazing, unforgettable.
“Wellington has got a chance for sure. We all know European sprinters are not as strong as here and hopefully he can win.”
By Leo Schlink, HKJC
