2005 News
October 2, 2005
October 2, 2005
THE 39TH SPRINTERS STAKES (GI)
Sunday, October 2, 2005
THE 39TH SPRINTERS STAKES (GI)
SILENT WITNESS, the world's highest rated sprinter from Hong Kong claimed this year's SPRINTERS STAKES, measuring up to the expectations of the cheering fans that included over 100 supporters from Hong Kong who came to witness his victory.
The race broke off with CALSTONE LIGHT O and GALLANT ARROW rallying to take the lead. With defending champion CALSTONE LIGHT O eventually dictating the pace, race favorite SILENT WITNESS eased to 5th position from the front on the outside then moved up to 3rd position by the first turn. Second pick DURANDAL settled in the very rear as always, while third choice ADMIRE MAX traveled fourth from last.
While CALSTONE LIGHT O maintained lead through the last corner, SILENT WITNESS, responding to F. Coetzee's urging, displayed incredible speed in the last 200 meters and easily took over the lead before the 100-meter line to win the race by a comfortable 1-1/4 length. DURANDAL, turning wide around the last corner, also exerted magnificent kick in the homestretch to finish second, followed by ADMIRE MAX who surged out with DURANDAL on the inside to cross the wire another 1/2 length behind.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, the champion of the inaugural Global Sprint Challenge whose award ceremony was held today during the noon break between races, settled in midfield but was unable to pull out from the pack in the homestretch to finish 11th.
