Rags-to-riches sprinter to miss Breeders’ Cup in favour of Hong Kong adventure

11 October 2023 , 20:00

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Highfield Princess will head to Hong Kong in December (Image: Getty)

Rags-to-riches sprinter Highfield Princess will miss the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita in favour of a tilt at the £2.3million Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 10.

After watching his mare rack up a fourth Group 1 victory under jockey Jason Hart in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp 11 days ago, trainer John Quinn mapped out a return to America for Highfield Princess, who finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland last November.

But Quinn announced a change of plan on Wednesday, saying: “All being well, she’ll go to Hong Kong.

“There were a number of things. The Breeders’ Cup is round a sharp turn and Hong Kong also gives us some extra time.

“The Hong Kong Sprint is over six furlongs and that will be fine – she has won Group 1s over five, six and six and a half furlongs.”

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Quinn also raised the prospect of his stable star, who runs in the colours of former Channel Four Racing boss John Fairley’s Trainers House Enterprises Ltd banner, racing on at seven years of age in 2024.

“The owner said at Longchamp that he’s still enjoying it and she’s still enjoying it,” he added. “I’m certainly happy to carry on if that’s what they decide.”

Inspiral, who recorded a fifth Group 1 triumph in the Cheveley Park Stud colours when landing Saturday’s Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket for trainers John and Thady Gosden, could also stay in training as a five-year-old next year.

“The trainer will give us his steer and if he feels she’s ready to go next season, we’ll go with it,” said the stud’s Richard Thompson.

David Yates