Former New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards has been gifted star sprinter Wellington to head his second-season team in Hong Kong.

Richards had won 34 races by the time racing signed off at Happy Valley on Wednesday.  It was a respectable first-up result and it coincided with news he will start next season with the Group 1 son of All Too Hard.

“It is a privilege to be able to train a horse of his quality,” Richards replied when quizzed about the arrival of Wellington.  “We will just try to maintain the same form that has made him one of the best sprinters in Hong Kong.

“I am really grateful to get this type of support from the owners and I want to repay the faith they have put in me.”

Wellington (6g All Too Hard – Mihiri by More Than Ready) is back home and in quarantine following a disappointing visit to Royal Ascot for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m).

A barrier stall mishap left jockey Ryan Moore bloodied back in the field down the grandstand side and Wellington failed to deliver his customary explosive finish.  “Poor Ryan smashed his nose coming out the gates,” trainer Richard Gibson said after saddling Wellington for the final time.  “He ran a clean race but we weren’t good enough today.”

All Too Hard finished Top 6 on the Hong Kong sires premiership in 2022-23 and Wellington was by far the best of his six winners in the signature Group 1 HKJC Longines Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin in December.

“We will build him back up towards December,” Richards said.  “Hopefully, going away has been good for him.  He responded to the surrounds at Manton Estate over there and we will certainly be giving him all the time he needs for another shot at the Hong Kong Sprint.”

All Too Hard’s latest Hong Kong recruit Native Tongue will be trained by Manfred Man after changing hands earlier this month.  A Baramul Stud-homebred for Gerry Harvey, he won twice at Pakenham this season for trainer Greg Eurell.  Native Tongue’s yearling half-brother by Star Turn made $170,000 at this year’s Adelaide Magic Millions.  He was purchased for a Hong Kong client by Kiwi trainer Jenna Mahoney.

All Too Hard stands at Vinery for an unchanged $38,500 service fee (inc. GST) this season with payment on a live foal.  For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).

This year’s Vinery Stud stallion parades will be on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of August, starting at 8:30am on both days.  It is essential to RSVP if you are planning to come and see our six stallions, which is easy to do at this link: https://vinery.com.au/2023-vinery-stallion-parades/

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 02 6543 8333.  We hope to see you there.