The Hong Kong Derby, the last of the Hong Kong Four-Year-Old Classic Series is a prestigious and important event for any equine in the region. The 150-year-old annual racing is a premium event on the domestic equestrian course. The event now sponsored by BMW is set to be hosted on the 24th of March next year carrying a purse of HK$18 million. And aiming for the finish line is a 3-year-old gelding already in preparation.
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The Hong Kong Derby over the course of 2000 meters or 10 furlongs only hosts 4-year-old Thoroughbreds. And racing at Wednesday’s Happy Valley to make its way further next year, the Sioux Nation gelding is racing through obstacles with a change in the Jockey racing him.
Famed jockey aboard ambitious equine
The C S Shum trained 3-year-old gelding is an Irish-bred and trained now based in Hong Kong. Helene Feeling has previously partnered with Jockey Zac Purton for the past 5 starts in Hong Kong. However, due to his bad barrier form, Jockey Karis Teetan was brought his 117lb impost. The combination of the pair is supposedly to help overcome barrier 11.
Karis Tetan has steadily worked his way up the industry with over 6000 starts. The equestrian previously mounted Victor The Winner, and Lucky Encounter maintaining a worthy stand with the two. Now moving to Helene Feeling, Karis aims for something similar. “Helene Feeling did well last season, he comes off a nice win and I think it’s going to be a good race for him with that weight on his back,” Karis said according to HK Racing.
With his results at the Class 2 Victoria Harbour Handicap trainer Shum aims to get Helene to the Hong Kong Derby next year. “Helene Feeling is improving, he’s getting better and more confident in himself. I think 1600 to 2000 metres he should handle, no problem,” Shum said according to Sportingpost. With his strong past record, Helen seems a worthy candidate for the upcoming stakes having a remarkable journey.
Helene’s Equestrian Journey
Sired by Sioux Nation, Helene Feeling began his career in Britain. Having won twice at Great Britain, Feeling made his way towards Hong Kong. Throughout his career, the gelding has had 11 successful starts to his name. 5 wins, 5 2nd, and 1 third have put the 3-year-old on the map with exceptional performances.
Being proven a profitable horse, the gelding has career earnings of $614,358.97 with his previous wins including Happy Valley and Sha Tin. Yet, Helene’s win and participation at the Victoria Harbour will be his biggest yet, confirming his place at the Derby. “He has a good heart, he always tries and hopefully we can get a win before March and then he can go into the Derby,” trainer Shum said.
Helene Feeling is currently a class 2 equine having proven its quality and ability. As the countdown for the Derby hits the clock, it is an interesting watch to see where the equine heads. The 3-year-old having just started his career is in for spectators’ keen eye and a whole long road heading towards its Dery destiny.
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