Unlucky Second for Sacred Kingdom

16th March 2008

The world’s best sprinter Sacred Kingdom (4g Encosta de Lago x Courtroom Sweetie, by Zeditave) had to settle for second in the Silver Jubilee Cup HK Gr 1 at Sha Tin on Sunday behind star miler Good Ba Ba in the champion’s first tilt at 1400 metres, but there was a story to tell and the result was only part of it.

Partnered by Gerald Mosse from barrier four, Sacred Kingdom enjoyed a perfect run for much of the race saving ground near the inside and travelling sweetly right up until the time came to make a move.

While Mosse sought clear running for the son of Encosta de Lago, Good Ba Ba swept around the field and charged clear in a masterstroke by Olivier Doleuze and by the time Sacred Kingdom got out it was all over.

He flew late for second, beaten half a length and with an ounce of luck would undoubtedly have won, but such is racing!

"I wouldn't want to meet Sacred Kingdom again so I hope he stays in the sprints! Good Ba Ba is better over a mile so to win today against such a great rival is tremendous," said winning trainer Andreas Shutz.

A $200,000 purchase from the draft of Kornong Stud Farm at the 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Sacred Kingdom is a half-brother to stakes-placed Opter being from the Zeditave mare Courtroom Sweetie, a full sister to Group Two winner Love of Mary.

The powerhouse bay was bred by the Calvert family of Victoria, who will offer his half-brother by popular first season sire Fastnet Rock at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Consigned as Lot 51, he will be offered by Blue Gum Farm as agent for Kornong Stud Farm.