Tuesday, 21st October 2025
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In a purple patch of form and bristling with confidence, El Vencedor is set to take on one of the toughest racing stages in the world, reports racingnews.co.nz. Following the 6YO Shocking gelding's invitation to contest the prestigious Gr1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April, trainer Stephen Marsh and owners Mark Freeman and David Price didn't hesitate in accepting the opportunity after his dominant victory in the Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa a week ago where he won by a dominant 3-lengths. "We received an email from the Hong Kong Jockey Club asking if we would be interested, and we said, 'if we're invited, we would certainly be interested.' They came straight back with, 'here's your invite'," Marsh said. Confident in El Vencedor's ability to handle the trip and rise to the challenge, he added, "He looks like the right horse for the race. He'll cop the travel, and it will be a great experience." Marsh is no stranger to Asian racing through his father Bruce's success in Singapore, but he has never personally been to Hong Kong. "I have never been, but I'm looking forward to it," he said. "Everything is well-organised, and they look after you. I'll be doing plenty of homework before I go." The QEII Cup adds an exciting international element to El Vencedor's campaign, though his domestic program remains unchanged. "He runs next Saturday at Ellerslie in the Otaki mile (Gr1, 1600m), then heads to the Bonecrusher (Gr1, 2000m), before the six-week lead-up to Hong Kong," Marsh confirmed. Travel logistics are still being finalised, but no major shifts in his routine are expected before the Bonecrusher. Freeman and Price are ecstatic about the opportunity, seeing this as a once-in-a-lifetime moment for their galloper. "They are thrilled," Marsh said. "This is what racing is all about."
