HK Awards for Sacred Kingdom and Ichiban
2nd July 2008
Explosive speedster Sacred Kingdom was crowned Champion Sprinter at the annual end of season Champion Awards in Hong Kong on Tuesday night, while lightly raced Ichiban took the prize for Champion Griffin.The Ricky Yiu trained star was in devastating form this season winning five races and finishing second twice from seven starts, his wins highlighted by a memorable victory in the Group One HK International Sprint last December.
Purchased for $200,000 from the draft of Kornong Stud Farm 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne, Sacred Kingdom (4g Encosta de Lago x Courtroom Sweetie, by Zeditave) has returned connections some $HK19.2 million in prizemoney.
Also featuring with an award was promising three year-old Ichiban (3g Fusaichi Pegasus x Love All, by Mt Livermore), who was named Champion Griffin of the season after winning three of six starts for the John Size stable.
A $130,000 purchase from the Coolmore draft at the 2006 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Ichiban is from a grand-daughter of outstanding producer Fabuleux Jane, whose descendants include Group One stars Arazi, Noverre and Joyeux Danseur.
