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Son of Harbour Watch breakthrough for first win in 12 months
Waikuku (6 g Harbour Watch - London Plane by Danehill Dancer) landed his second Group 1 race on Sunday when he took out the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (Gr 1, 1400m) at Sha Tin, a victory that provided his trainer John Size with this 1300th career win.
Joining John Moore, who retired at the end of the 2019/2020 season with a record 1,735 victories, and Tony Cruz, who has amassed 1,329 wins, as the only trainers to have prepared 1,300 Hong Kong winners.
A winner of the Stewards' Cup (Gr 1, 1600m) in January 2020, the six-year-old notched his second elite triumph after stalking main rival Southern Legend (Not A Single Doubt) into the straight before easing to a one and a quarter length margin over the Australian-bred son of Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice). Mighty Giant (Power) was a further half a length away in third.
In typically self-effacing style, Size attempted to deflect attention post-race as Moreira spoke glowingly about the Australian’s attention to detail and work ethic.
“It probably means I’ve been here a long time and I’m doing my job well,” Size said, reflecting on his move from Sydney to Hong Kong in 2001.
“Every achievement along the way in your career is meaningful.
“I couldn’t have imagined that in my wildest dreams. Obviously, it’s been a good move – very good for my career – and I hope is that I can do a good job for customers.”
Waikuku, who had not saluted since his win in the Stewards’ Cup, overcame a string of minor ailments to return to winning form.
“He had some interruptions earlier in the season, he had a temperature and he was out of work for quite a while,” Size said.
“Back to 1400 metres was probably pretty suitable for him with our competition just at present and he likes a fast track, so he was able to run some time.
“So, he had a couple of advantages today that he doesn’t normally get so he was able to win the race convincingly.”
The son of Harbour Watch (Acclamation) was purchased by John Oxx for €33,000 at the 2016 Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale in 2016 and he has now won eight of his 20 starts, which has seen him accrue HK$36,535,679 in career prize-money.
The gelding is out of the placed Danehill Dancer (Danehill) mare London Plane, while further back this is the same pedigree as Grade 1 winner Grand Arch (Arch) as well as Listed scorers Xtra (Sadler’s Wells) and Fong’s Thong (Dr Fong).
The Tweenhills Stud-based Harbour Watch shuttled to Australia for two seasons in 2013 and 2014 and was retired from covering duties in 2017 on veterinary advice.