HK DEC 12 - CALIFORNIA MEMORY MAKES HISTORY

By Hong Hong Jockey Club | Sunday, December 9, 2012

Matthew Chadwick drove California Memory into the history books of Hong Kong racing when becoming the first horse ever to win back to back runnings of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.

No horse had ever won the 2000m contest twice but breaking alertly from Gate 1, Chadwick was able to settle the little grey in the ideal position on the rail, and let the race unfold around him.

The jockey never appeared to have an anxious moment at any stage, and when he asked California Memory to reel in the pace-making Dan Excel in the home straight the race was as good as over.

He coasted to the line for a comfortable win from the late running Giofra and Australian challenger Alcopop, who both made late progress from the rear without ever threatening to reel in the winner. Dan Excel held on well for fourth.

Afterwards a delighted Chadwick said ‘I’m over the moon right now. It’s incredible. He’s a great little horse. It’s all about him, I’m just lucky to be part of it all.

Following his win in last year’s race California Memory was campaigned internationally in Dubai and Singapore earlier in the year, but things did not go to plan.

Back on his familiar home turf, however, he has been a revelation, resuming his winning in the G2 Longines Jockey Club Cup in November, before his clear cut win today.

His trainer Tony Cruz said: “He showed great acceleration, and showed his authority today.

"When he quickened Matthew said he put everyone to bed. And then he started to idle in front, and the horse started thinking ‘where is everybody?’. But when they started to come back to him he thought I’d better go a bit faster again.”

“We have to give credit to the vet Ben Mason, because the horse has had his niggles and been lame many times, but he fixed the problem.”

In the end California Memory’s winning margin was a length in a time of 2m 3.09s, in a race run with each fraction being quicker than the previous one.

For his rivals there were no real excuses or hard luck stories.

Today there was only one winner, the diminutive grey Hong Kong hero.

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