Quechua storms home for Patrick Shaw
South African trainer Patrick Shaw not only captured his second Singapore Gold Cup with Argentinian-bred stayer Quechua on Sunday but, for good measure, also his second Exacta in the time-honoured classic.
After Mr Line (Jeff Lloyd) and War Horn ran 1-2 in the 2200m handicap showpiece in 2006, Shaw made several attempts at another golden strike, but none of his runners could quite pass muster until Quechua finally ended the long wait – with Emperor’s Banquet running on to complete the stable queue-up.
It was not just Shaw saddling the Exacta in the Gold Cup as the Yongs of the Tmen Stable race both Quechua and Emperor’s Banquet.
The celebrations from the Tmen Stable and their entourage at the winner’s circle reached fever pitch as they raucously led in Quechua and jockey Corey Brown for a Gold Cup triumph that capped a memorable day for Shaw, who had earlier landed three winners courtesy of In Fact, Bale Star and Davide.
The explosion of joy must have also come as an outlet for relief as the Shaw camp had been gripped with self-doubt after Quechua and their third runner, Lizarre, both drew wide (No 15 and No 16 respectively) on Wednesday, even if Emperor’s Banquet fared a lot better with marble one.
Brown remained adamant, though, that Quechua was an on-pace runner and the best way to ride him was at the head of affairs and not getting snagged at the rear and hoping for luck. And that is exactly how the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey quickly bounced the son of Pure Prize, before gradually veering across to the inside to sit outside Goodman (Craig Newitt).
It was daring tactics to some, but Brown knew what he had underneath him, having already been aboard at the horse’s last two wins, including the traditional Gold Cup trial, the El Dorado Classic (2200m) three weeks ago.
The fact he also knew Goodman inside out was another factor playing into his hands.
Behind, in the 16-horse pack, favourite and Triple Crown chaser War Affair (Danny Beasley) was caught three wide in midfield, but had some cover with Stepitup (David Flores) ahead of him.
Goodman maintained a steady tempo to the race until the home turn, where Quechua ranged up alongside to apply some pressure. Brown, fully aware of Quechua’s superior stamina, set his mount alight and raced two lengths of the chasing pack.
War Affair’s trademark acceleration was conspicuously missing this time as he failed to muster a kick inside the last 200m and it was left to Emperor’s Banquet (Nooresh Juglall) to make ground late to run second, 1.50 lengths away.
“This was the big one and this is my second Gold Cup and the second time I’ve finished first and second. When I do a job, I do it well,” joked Shaw, who recently underwent minor surgery. “We spoke to Corey after he drew wide and the plan was to jump well and go forward and that’s exactly how it panned out.
“As I said before, he’s the true stayer in the race and Corey rode him a treat.
“Winning the Gold Cup eight years ago with Mr Line and War Horn second was special but this is also special, especially I’ve done it again for the Yong family who have been wonderful supporters of mine for a long time.
“I will give him a break now and we’ll look at races like the SIA Cup and the Derby for him next year.”
Singapore Turf Club
