Archie Watson’s globe-trotting Brave Emperor looks set to add another stamp to his passport as he sets his sights on Hong Kong after triumphing overseas once more, this time in Qatar.
The four-year-old made history by journeying to Doha to compete in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup, a local Group Two race covering a mile. Ridden by his regular jockey Luke Morris, he clinched victory by a neck over Aidan O’Brien’s Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cairo, with Godolphin’s former Lockinge and Queen Anne second Real World finishing a length and a half behind in third place.
This win marked the 10th career victory for the Middleham Park Racing gelding, who has tasted success in various countries including Qatar, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, England, and Wales, with only two unplaced finishes in 16 starts.
Now, Brave Emperor has his sights set on a new racing challenge as his connections mull over a potential trip to Hong Kong for the Champions Mile in late April, a prestigious event that has been dominated by Sha Tin superstar Golden Sixty in recent years.
Tom Palin of Middleham Park Racing lauded the horse, expressing,
“He’s a hero, a legend - all the superlatives you can think of could be used to describe him. He emerged from the race in great shape, very fresh indeed. In fact, upon his return to England, he was granted a brief holiday in the field for 10 days. He will return next week to gear up for Hong Kong, where Golden Sixty poses a formidable challenge.”
Although Golden Sixty has been the frontrunner in the Champions Mile, Brave Emperor has been invited to compete and the team believes he is deserving of a shot at the lucrative prize of over £1.2 million. Despite surprises along the way, they remain optimistic about his performance.
Luke Morris, who has ridden him on numerous occasions, notes the horse’s progress, saying,
“He’s maturing, honing his skills, and gaining more tactical speed. I believe he could handle a return to seven furlongs without any issue; he’s getting quicker and showing more racecraft. He’s incredibly versatile and seems to be putting it all together. A potential Foret entry over seven furlongs at the end of the year is not out of the question.”
Describing Brave Emperor as a relaxed traveller who thrives in new environments, Palin concludes,
“He’s an extraordinary horse. He adapts effortlessly to various settings and races with ease, as if he’s in his own backyard. If all horses were as straightforward and enjoyable as him, the sport would be a breeze.”