Colourful King asserted his dominance in the Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) at Sha Tin Racecourse on Wednesday, delivering a commanding victory that has prompted trainer David Eustace to consider stepping the horse up to longer distances and potentially targeting international competitions.
Sent off as the $2.2 favorite, Colourful King, a Blue Point gelding, broke well and maintained a tactical position just behind the pace setters, Beauty Waves and Magical Control. After Magical Control took the lead approaching the 400-meter mark, the five-year-old sprinter, ridden by Zac Purton, bided his time before accelerating sharply 150 meters from the finish line to win by approximately one and a quarter lengths.
Eustace noted that while the race unfolded favorably, the horse might perform even better when chasing stronger early pace. “He jumped clean, which is improving, and travelled nicely,” the trainer said. “He was a bit fresh and probably would have appreciated a stronger gallop. I think we'll see a better turn of foot if there's more pace to aim at.” He also pointed out the necessity for Colourful King to be in peak condition given the limited opportunities over the 1,000-meter trip in Hong Kong.
Purton, who claimed his third National Day Cup win after previous victories aboard Super Wealthy in 2022 and Stolz last year, acknowledged that Colourful King exceeded expectations on race day despite some doubts following pre-race trials. “It was straightforward. He traveled well and was in the right spot, keeping an eye on the right horse,” the jockey said.
With the scarcity of 1,000-meter events at Sha Tin, Eustace indicated plans to enter Colourful King in the Group Two Premier Bowl over 1,200 meters scheduled for October 25. The trainer also mentioned the January Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy as a potential racing target and did not dismiss the prospect of international campaigns. “We’ll certainly consider international targets,” Eustace said, emphasizing the need for careful long-term planning.
Colourful King has now secured five wins since arriving in Hong Kong, all over 1,000 meters, with his team having focused on improving his temperament and morning routines to make him more manageable.
Elsewhere at Sha Tin, the early-season trainers’ championship saw shifts as Cody Mo Wai-kit reclaimed the lead from Pierre Ng Pang-chi. Mo’s success was fueled by a double win under jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun. Among the highlights was Absolute Heart, a four-year-old Bivouac colt, who won the Class Three Shanghai Handicap (1,200m) after a fast start from the inside barrier. Mo described Absolute Heart as a much calmer and more settled horse compared to last season and revealed plans to keep the horse at the sprint distance for now before assessing his stamina for longer races.
The duo’s other winner, Super Goldendragon, triumphed in the Class Four Jinan Handicap (1,800m), with Mo expressing optimism about testing the horse over even greater distances, noting the horse’s pedigree suggests staying potential. Mo reflected on the development of his stable, hoping to maintain their current form as the season progresses.