Even though it’s getting on for eight years since Danehill died, the Coolmore legend continues to sire feature winners in both hemispheres.

Danehill has no more than a handful of Hunter Valley bred horses still in training and among them is Hong Kong based gelding Noble Conqueror who won the January Cup for the second year in a row at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.  He also finished second in the 2008 running of the January Cup.

Noble Conqueror (Aus) was part of a winning treble for trainer Caspar Fownes and he defeated a top-class field that included Hong Kong Derby winner Super Satin and Hong Kong’s champion stayer Mr Medici.

Noble Conqueror (9g Danehill – Target Figure by Diesis) is a Happy Valley specialist with 10 wins from 20 starts at the track.  He has raced 20 times at Sha Tin but has never finished in the first two there.

Noble Conqueror swooped around the January Cup field with the fabulous turn of foot which has made him an institution at Happy Valley.  “I just love this horse and he loves Happy Valley,” Fownes said.  “I’ve only been able to run him here four times in the past two years so the opportunities are just about over.

“The January Cup was a high-quality field and trainers will come to Happy Valley if they put the races on.  I would love to see a good sponsor come in for a series of Group races here – I’m sure it would be a hit with the fans.”

Danehill sired the Happy Valley hero from unraced USA bred mare Target Figure and is her only winner from five foals.  Her 3yo filly Gold Target (Elvstroem) still hasn’t faced the starter and she also has a yearling colt by Good Journey and a colt on the ground by Magnus.

Heading the Danehill Dad’s Army is Zipping.  Now a rising 10 year-old, he has won the last four editions of the G2 Sandown Classic.  The Swettenham Stud bred veteran has won 16 races in 46 starts and has amassed over $4.53 million in prizemoney.

Zipping (9g Danehill – Social Scene by Grand Lodge) has been installed a clear $6 favourite to win the 2011 Australian Cup on March 12.  He won the 2010 Australian Cup by the narrowest of margins over Sirmione.  His yearling half-sister by Encosta de Lago was sold for $240,000 at last week’s Magic Millions to Irish agent Dermot Farrington.