Hong Kong Farewell a Champion

Media Release - Tuesday April 28
A special ceremony took place at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday to bid farewell to two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon, who has been retired to his native New Zealand.

images Grant Courtney

Ambitious Dragon retired with a record of 13 wins from 30 starts with stakes of HK$58,722,850 (about NZ$9.8 million) to make him the sixth-highest earner in Hong Kong racing history.

Trainer Tony Millard guided the brilliant son of Pins to a host of big-race successes at Sha Tin, notably Group One victories in the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the 2012 Longines Hong Kong Mile. 

He recorded a further five wins at the top level, including the Hong Kong Derby.

Ambitious Dragon was selected and purchased from breeder Pat Lowry as a yearling for owner Johnson Lam by the Masterton-based bloodstock agent Bruce Perry.

"I am delighted to confirm that Ambitious Dragon will be coming back to New Zealand to Kiwikawa Farm, the place where he was raised," said Perry. "He will enjoy a well-earned retirement, getting the best of care in a familiar environment." - NZ Racing Desk

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