Singapore Sling wins in Hong Kong. Image: HKJC
Drakenstein Stud’s successful resident sire Philanthropist made headlines in Hong Kong on Wednesday when his son Singapore Sling picked up his first Hong Kong win at just his second local appearance.
Bred by the Drakenstein Stud, Singapore Sling made history by landing the final Hong Kong race of 2017 when victorious by a head in the Chai Wan Kok Handicap at Happy Valley mid-week.
Now in the care of trainer Tony Millard, Singapore Sling clearly enjoyed the step up to 1650m in Wednesday’s race and he should not stop here.
Winning jockey Tommy Berry said after the impressive win, ““His form overseas before he came here, he got back a little bit and was always storming home. He’s got pretty good credentials for coming here and he’ll only improve. He was still a bit on his toes, so when he learns to relax and settle down a bit more in his races he’ll be fine.”
Singapore Sling, who beat Gr1 Racing Post Trophy hero Rivet when making his Hong Kong debut, won twice in South Africa, with his wins including the 2016 G2 Investec Dingaans-where he accounted for Snitzel’s G1 SA Classic winner Heavenly Blue and dual Guineas winner Janoobi.
Philanthropist. Image: Tracy Robertson
He was one of seven stakes horses produced in Philanthropist’s first South African crop.
The blue blooded Philanthropist, who is from the same female lines as influential sires Sovereign Dancer, What A Pleasure and Native Dancer, is enjoying another good season in 2017-2018, with his notable runners including Racing Association Stakes hero Pack Leader, who has banked more than R400 000 and who looks a likely contender for the G1 Investec Cape Derby.
Philanthropist, sire of champions Phil’s Dream and Pender Harbour, was North America’s Leading All Weather Sire by stakes money in 2014.
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