$15 million The Everest slot holder, Aquis, has announced that former Hong Kong sprinter, Joyful Fortune, will be its representative in Australia’s richest race on 15 October.
Transferred to Mark Newnham’s Randwick stables, Joyful Fortune resumed with a brilliant all-the-way victory in the Myer Fashions on the Field Sprint down the Flemington straight on 18 September. Carrying 60.5kgs, Joyful Fortune dominated rivals, winning by over 4 lengths.
By Nicconi – also sire of world champion sprinter and 2021 Everest winner, Nature Strip – Joyful Fortune was something of a sensation on debut at Sha Tin, running a near record of 55.07 seconds and demolishing rivals in a faultless display. It was the third fastest time recorded down the Sha Tin straight.
Winning again at his penultimate start in Hong Kong, Joyful Fortune was off the scene for 12 months while recovering from bone chip surgery. Repatriated to Australia, Joyful Fortune turned heads by toppling 2021 Everest third Eduardo in a barrier trial at Randwick in August. It’s only the third time in 16 outings that the multiple Group 1 winner has been beaten in a trial and Joyful Fortune whipped through the 742 metres in 43.72 seconds and overhauled Eduardo on the wire.
Trainer of Group 1 winning sprinter, Nakeeta Jane, Mark Newnham is delighted to target the Everest with Joyful Fortune, his first runner in the race. “In the short period of time I have trained Joyful Fortune he has shown all the qualities of a top-class sprinter and adds an X factor to the World’s most exciting race.” said Newnham.
“He ran blistering time in Hong Kong and was ultra-impressive first up at Flemington with big improvement to come, he handles all track conditions, and we believe he will make his presence felt on the day”, said Aquis Director of Sales, Jonathan Davies.
