Glory days for Hayes in Hong Kong

Tuesday, 7 May 2024 | Geisel Park sire All American was instrumental in David Hayes passing another milestone in a record-breaking training career on Sunday.

Hayes was registering his 600th win in Hong Kong when All American gelding Regent Glory defeated Happy Tango (Eavesdropper) and Everyone’s Victory (Deep Field) in the Manicou Hcp (1200m) at Sha Tin.  “I only found out this morning that I was close and it’s good to get it because I haven’t been here as long as others who have trained 600.

“Regent Glory was injured after arriving in Hong Kong and had to have a screw put in his fetlock,” Hayes revealed.  “He’s also had some injections in his ankles between runs and I think that really helped him stretch out today.  He’s confident now and more relaxed and I think there are more wins to come.”

His dam Amphlett (Rock Of Gibraltar) was an Ascot winner for trainer Brent Albuino in 2013 and her other winners include Universal Pleasure (Universal Ruler) who scored at Ascot (2) and Belmont (2) for trainer Stephan Vahala prior to a maiden cover by Manhattan Rain at Geisel Park last October.

Hayes had prepared All American (Red Ransom) during a racing career that reached a climax when he defeated So You Think in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in 2009.  He defeated the Cox Plate Champion by more than two lengths clocking 1:33.98s.

It was a record fifth Emirates Stakes victory for the stable following Planet Ruler (1992), Primacy (1993) and Seascay (1994 & 1995).  “If you can break 1.34s over a mile here you’re a pretty smart horse in that company,” the Lindsay Park trainer declared.  “He’s a stallion who was an outstanding 2yo and has now trained on to win a Group 1 as a 4yo.”

All American stands for a $4,400 service fee at Geisel Park alongside newcomer Winning Rupert ($8,800), Aysar ($8,800) and Manhattan Rain ($8,250).