Sky’s the Limit as Andreas Vesalius Embarks on Bold Hong Kong Mission

Sky’s the Limit as Andreas Vesalius Embarks on Bold Hong Kong Mission

Ambition is everything in racing. Owners Sky Racing have it in abundance, so much so that they are sending their Andreas Vesalius to take on Romantic Warrior and co in the G1 QEII Cup in Hong Kong on 26 April.

In running an excellent third, beaten just over two lengths, behind Ombudsman in the G1 Dubai Turf, the striking grey has earned another shot at the top level. 

“He ran great and I’m very proud,” says Sky Racing’s Ali Al Aneizi. “We’ve had this horse for four years and we’ve been patient, but we always saw potential. He showed his good turn of foot in the Dubai Turf and maybe the extra 200metres [in the QEII] will benefit him.”

The seven-year-old son of Caravaggio is remarkably versatile, having also finished third in the G3 Ras Al Khor, over 1400metres, and fifth in the Listed Abu Dhabi Gold Cup over a mile.

“Ahmad bin Harmash and his team have done a really good job with him, having him competitive in any race he’s run in,” continues Al Aneizi, who added that travel plans are still being finalised.

“He will be the first runner for Sky Racing in Hong Kong, and we hope it’s not the last. To compete with the big players is an honour for us.”

Those big players include the world’s highest earning racehorse, Romantic Warrior, as well as rising British star Royal Champion and Japan Cup runner-up Masquerade Ball, but Al Aneizi isn’t fazed by the opposition.

“To compete with Romantic Warrior, the best horse in the world, is an achievement for us, but a better achievement would be to be competitive,” he says. “We are happy to be the first even Libyan owners to run in Hong Kong – this is a big step for Sky Racing, and for Al Watan Club – the biggest racetrack in Libya, who we represent.

“We will hopefully keep trying to run in big races around the world, such as Royal Ascot, the Arc meeting and the Saudi Cup.”

Whatever he achieves at Sha Tin in three weeks’ time, Andreas Vesalius is breaking new ground – for Sky Racing and for Libya.