South African Filly Sets Record in Hong Kong - 02-11-10

February 11 - The fact that the vast majority of thoroughbreds raced in Hong Kong consist of geldings, makes the class breaking record of South African-bred filly, Sweet Sanette, last night (Wednesday, February 10) at Happy Valley Racecourse that much more impressive.

Racing fans at Happy Valley looked on as Sweet Sanette got off to a great start in the 5-furlong Class 1 sprint with top-rated South African jockey Greg Cheyne aboard for local trainer Gary Ng. She was strong throughout and was only too happy to hang on to the lead when challenged.

'I knew her from home [South Africa] and she has kept her explosive early toe,' said Cheyne. 'She won in a lesser grade at Sha Tin last time with the same quickening to leave them alone and lead as she likes, but to do it round these contours and not be phased says a lot about her.'

Although Hong Kong horseracing is extremely popular, there are reportedly only around 1200 race horses in the city, and within those not more than a handful of females. Which is what makes Sweet Sanette's swift turn of foot and subsequent record-breaking performance so memorable.

Said a thrilled Gary Ng, 'We knew Sweet Sanette was good and had potential, but you have to put your South African horses through longer periods of quarantine to get here and then hope that they reproduce their form. It's even tougher with a female in Hong Kong but this one is special.'

Before going to Hong Kong, Sweet Sanette won four races from seven starts in South Africa for local trainer Roy Magner, even notching up some Grade 3 glory. However, since she's been in Hong Kong, she really seems to have bloomed, earning HK$1,469,500 from two wins and a place.

In 2009 Greg Cheyne won the Durban July Handicap aboard Big City Life for trainer Glen Kotzen. The Durban July is South Africa's most prestigious race.