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Akeed Mofeed Wins 2013 Group 1 Hong Kong Derby
Akeed Mofeed lived up to the hype that has surrounded his early career in Hong Kong with a determined victory in an exciting climax to the 2013 HKG1 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) before over 56,500 race fans at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Sunday 17 March.
Richard Gibson saddled the winner and third-placed Gold-Fun, both for owner Pan Sutong, in only his second Hong Kong season. Gibson revealed that his third Derby hope Mizani was a withdrawal prior to the race as a result of standing on a stone earlier in the day.
“The Derby is all about Akeed Mofeed, it’s all about horses,” said a delighted Gibson after the Dubawi colt had battled to a half-length verdict over the game runner-up Endowing from the John Size stable in a time of 2m 01.84s.
“I think the racing fans and the professionals will all be happy tonight because the best horse has won the race,” added the Englishman. “He’s a really class act and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him.”
Akeed Mofeed was shuffled back and forced three wide but that inconvenience ultimately proved little hindrance as the Irish import drove determinedly down the home stretch to overhaul HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Mile hero Gold-Fun, who had taken it up 300m out under Olivier Doleuze, and grind out a deserved victory.
“He was the best horse on the day,” added Whyte. “I hadn’t really got to the bottom of him – he was only just finding the line so it was a good effort. I think had it been a genuinely run race we would have seen a prettier win at the end.”
“It’s a great relief to get these two excellent athletes to the races in good shape, allowing them to perform to their natural ability. I don’t think the race was ideal for Gold-Fun but he’s a talented horse too and it was an excellent effort.”
