Horse Racing Sensation Stages Epic Comeback in Grade 1 Stewards’ Cup 2024

Just three weeks into 2024, and the horse racing icons have already started making winning strides. Leaning towards a particular horse ahead of a race isn’t unnatural. Legends who make big appearances in the adrenaline-fuelled Japan Cup and Hong Kong Mile, also come to defend their titles in another Group 1 race, which had a gorgeous line-up to marvel at this time.

The 2024 Group 1 Steward’s Cup at Sha Tin was one of the highlight races in the racing calendar. With Voyage Bubble in pole position, the race has concluded on January 21, 2024. But there’s another equine who was a line favorite in the Steward Cup, fresh off a knockout.

Horse racing world celebrates Tony Cruz and his horse

As the majestic horse stood before gracing the lane to start the race, his village showered love on him. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing’s X post reads, “Tony Cruz and California Spangle!” Contesting the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, California Spangle looked impressive with his rider saddled on his back. The dual Hong Kong champion trainer was convinced that a gear change would allow Spangle to set the tracks on fire. Having locked the greatest victory over Golden Sixty in the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), the equine never had any dispute with Cruz. Rather, the latter said of him, “He’s well. I’ve put the cheek pieces on him and otherwise he looks in great condition”. 

According to Cruz, the weights should have had a greater impact on Spangle’s run. He said, “He got knocked down the last race and it was game over. I expect him to run well – much better”. But Cruz had big expectations from the Steward Cup, as two of his horses girded up to best their rivals.

Beauty Joy represented Tony Cruz as well

On a mission to chase his first Group 1 triumph, Cruz-trained Beauty Joy also ran on the premium race tracks. Before the race, Cruz had said, “Beauty Joy, at set weights, he’s going to come late. I hope he catches them but he’s going to run well.” 

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In the G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) in 2023, Beauty Joy had the world look up to him for his prolific performance behind Golden Sixty. But as luck favored, it was a golden opportunity for the former to secure the podium, as Golden Sixty got ruled because of an injury. But among the top Hong Kong gallopers who rooted for the win, Voyage Bubble (126lb) proved his prowess again. The next race is the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), the second leg of Triple Crown.

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