Lizard’s Desire Wins $3 million Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup
17 May 2010
SOUTH AFRICAN bred Lizard’s Desire (Lizard Island x Annsfield) won the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji, Singapore on Sunday 16 May.   Bred by Mr. A J Boshoff in the Eastern Cape, Lizard’s Desire and his jockey Kevin Shea set out to avenge their 2nd place in the Dubai World Cup at the end of March, behind the French bred Gloria De Campeao, and they did it convincingly.  Congratulations to Mike de Kock, Assistant trainer Stephen Jell, jockey Kevin Shea and owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.


Extracted from Michael Lee and Craig Brennan’s report on the Singapore Turf Club website (http://www.turfclub.com.sg) the De Kock stables commented:

“The fast pace played into our hands. When the two frontrunners got away, I knew he would be putting down his big run at the finish,” said assistant-trainer Stephen Jell.

“He loves this type of ground and he was flying at the finish. His preparation has gone well though there was a bit of a concern he was coming off a long international campaign.

“He’s travelled to as many as five countries but one of his greatest assets is he is such a great traveller. He fully deserved tonight’s win.

“He’s going back to Dubai on Wednesday and will have two months of rest in the paddocks. He’s earned it.

“Obviously his main mission will be the Dubai Carnival again next March, but at the back of our mind we will also have Hong Kong in December as an option.

“I’d like to thank the Singapore Turf Club for taking good care of us throughout our stay here. We’re all very appreciative of what they’ve done.”

Shea, who has been doing a rain dance in the lead-up to the 2000m showcase, was in a buoyant mood when the heavens opened all evening on Sunday, and the smiles certainly turned to rapturous joy at the winner’s stall.

“I don’t think I will ever forget the World Cup defeat. But as a sportsman, you accept you got beat but tonight is just awesome,” said Shea.

“Everything’s gone to plan. First the rain came down. I told you that this guy would be even better if it rains.

“I wanted pace in the race and I got it though I was a bit concerned when Shadow Gate was scratched at the barriers as I knew he was one of the on-pacers.

“He quickened up so well down the home straight and to take on a horse like Gloria De Campeao just goes to show how good he really is.

“All credit to the Mike de Kock team. They’ve done a fantastic job with this horse.

“We’ve come a long way going to Dubai, Hong Kong and now here. His work on Wednesday was phenomenal and on Friday, he worked like Rocket Man.

“He’ll go for a rest now, but I’d love to stick with him when he comes back.

1st    Lizard’s Desire (SAF)
2nd    Gloria De Campeao
3rd    Al Shemali
4th    Waikato