Immersed in fame and prestige, the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) is the one race that everyone in Hong Kong desires and this Sunday (20 March) at Sha Tin, Karis Teetan is hoping to etch his name in an honour roll that stems back to 1873 when he hops aboard Romantic Warrior in the HK$24 million third and final leg of Hong Kong’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
“I think you can ask anybody here – trainers, jockeys or owners – the Derby is the one race they want to win in Hong Kong and it’s a race that we all look forward to and to win it is a big thing for us; to have a chance like Romantic Warrior – I’m looking forward to riding him,” Teetan said.
Teetan arrived in Hong Kong for the 2013/14 season – he shot the lights out in his first campaign with 50 wins and he’s since added another 470 to his haul, a figure he is looking to bolster in Hong Kong’s most sought-after prize this weekend.
Won by some of racing’s best in the saddle including the likes of Pat Eddery, Philippe Paquet, Gary Moore, Tony Cruz, Felix Coetzee and Michael Kinane – Teetan is full of confidence in Romantic Warrior’s ability to see out the Derby distance as he chases a piece of Hong Kong racing folklore.
“Last time with the wide draw we got caught out and like Danny (Shum) said we learnt a lot from the horse and now we know, much like I said after we won the Hong Kong Classic Mile that 2000 metres will be no problem, so I’m not worried about the distance – I think he will stay,” Teetan said.