Breeding & Racing Magazine

382 Entries For 2009 Asian Mile Challenge

Meanwhile a record 382 entries have been received for the 4-legs of this year's US$10.5 million Asian Mile Challenge (the richest prize the sport has to offer for a single horse) which begins with the Gr1 Futurity Stakes in Melbourne on February 28. Nominations came from horses trained in 21 different racing jurisdictions & include a highest-ever tally of 51 individual Gr1 winners. Three of last year's AMC winners are among the stars entered: Jay Peg (Gr1 Dubai Duty Free winner from South Africa); Hong Kong's Good Ba Ba (Gr1 Champions Mile winner & the world's leading Older Turf Miler in 2008); & Japanese mare Vodka (winner of the Gr1 Yasuda Kinen). Other international stars entered include: Weekend Hussler (Australian Horse-Of-The-Year for 2007-08 & 7-time Gr1-winner); Archipenko & Eagle Mountain (international winners at the highest level in 2008 for South African trainer Mike de Kock); British-trained Paco Boy (rated the equal of Good Ba Ba last year during his 3YO campaign); America's former Gr1 Breeders' Cup Mile champion Kip Deville; & Daiwa Scarlet (1st female to win the Japan's Gr1 Arima Kinen for 37 years).