Vengeance of Rain takes Hong Kong Cup in driving finish

Vengeance rained down in the Hong Kong Cup (Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Jockey Club) VENGEANCE OF RAIN (Zabeel) became Hong Kong's latest international superstar after powering to a neck victory over the gallant Pride (Peintre Celebre) in the $2.3 million Hong Kong Cup (HK-G1) on Sunday. The odds-on favorite simultaneously clinched the title of World Racing Series champion, the first Hong Kong-trained horse to earn the honor, having also scored in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1), another World Racing Series event, in April. Vengeance of Rain finished Sunday's 1 1/4-mile contest on good to firm turf in 2:04 2/5.  Winning rider Anthony Delpech secured a handy position attending a farcically slow early pace set by American invader Willow O Wisp (Misnomer), with fractions of :28 for the quarter, :53 3/5 for the half, and six furlongs in 1:18 1/5. With exquisite timing in the stretch, Delpech unleashed Vengeance of Rain and seized the advantage before the closers got in gear. The multiple Group 1 hero strode majestically to the front and, although the French mare Pride closed furiously to draw up to Vengeance of Rain's throat-latch, he drove on stoutly to maintain a neck margin at the line. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to the English-based Maraahel (Alzao) in third, with fourth place going to another Hong Kong performer, Russian Pearl (Soviet Star). The remainder of the field consisted of Touch of Land (Fr) (Lando [Ger]), Epalo (Ger) (Lando [Ger]), Green Treasure (Danehill), defending champion Alexander Goldrun (Gold Away [Ire]), Willow O Wisp and River Dancer (Sadler's Wells). "It is difficult for three-year-olds in this sort of race," said jockey Kieren Fallon, summing up his experience on Willow O Wisp.

"(Vengeance of Rain) was cantering at

the final turn, and he really fought hard," said Delpech, describing his

triumphal march. "He has it all; class and courage."

He then paid an even more handsome tribute to his mount.

"He is the

best horse I've ever ridden, and I don't think I'll ever ride one like him

again. Horses like him come round just once in a blue moon."

"He's such a star, isn't he?" said Vengeance of Rain's trainer, David

Ferraris, adding, "I think there is still more improvement in him,

too."

Owned by Raymond Gianco Chow Hon Man, the five-year-old New Zealand-bred is

out of Danelagh (Danehill), an exceptional Australian performer who captured the

1998 Blue Diamond S. (Aus-G1). Moreover, Vengeance of Rain is a full brother to 2005 AJC Australian Oaks (Aus-G1) heroine Dizelle. Before coming to Hong Kong, he ran

in Australia under the name of Subscribe, where as a two-year-old, he won the

Veuve Clicquot S. and finished third in the Talindert S.

However, Vengeance of Rain has blossomed under Ferraris' care in his new home. In

addition to his scores in two legs of the World Racing Series, the gelding has

captured the Hong Kong Derby (HK-G1), Champions and Chater Cup (HK-G1),

International Cup Trial (HK-G2) and Centenary Vase (HK-G3).

Unfortunately for racing fans eager to see him travel to take on the best in

other parts of the world, Ferraris outlined plans to keep his star in Hong Kong

for the time being.

"The owners have asked me not to race him in Dubai, so we

will target the Hong Kong Gold Cup (HK-G1), QEII (HK-G1) and the Champions and Chater Cup

(HK-G1)," the conditioner said.

Considering that his connections had initially hoped to target the Cox Plate

S. (Aus-G1) this past October, perhaps globetrotting will ultimately form part

of Vengeance of Rain's long-term agenda.