Hellbent gelding Invincible Ibis soared through his grades in Hong Kong last season culminating with a glorious victory in the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and he made a winning return to Sha Tin on Sunday to take out the Group III Celebration Cup (1400m).
Trained by Mark Newnham and ridden by Luke Ferraris, Invincible Ibis settled back in the field and chimed in at the 100m with a powerful finish to take the lead before holding off Galaxy Patch to win by a neck.
Newnham revealed he was somewhat surprised by Invincible Ibis’ win before setting out plans that include a tilt at the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) or the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 13 December.
“Truthfully, a little unexpected,” Newnham said of Invincible Ibis’ performance. “I thought at 1400m, carrying a little more condition with bigger goals ahead, if he ran a good third or fourth, I’d be satisfied. But with a win like that, I’m pretty happy.
“Luke just said to me ‘he was probably on empty that last 50m’, but we know he’s very tenacious. When he had such a good run through the race, I’m sure that helped because if he had to do any work, he was probably underdone for that, but Luke gave him a perfect ride.”
Newnham said Invincible Ibis would likely be confined to 1600m races for the immediate future.
“He’ll race in October and November, so he’ll go to the traditional lead-up races, and then I’ll put an entry in for the mile and the 2000m on international day (LONGINES HKIR) and just see where he’s best placed at this stage of his career.
“At the moment I’m thinking of keeping him to a mile. I think a horse that’s lightly raced like him, going to 2000m against all ages at Group 1 level is a fair ask, but the horse will tell me where he’s at. If we’re two more runs into the season and he’s showing me he’s not sharp enough for the mile, then we’ve got the option.”
Purchased by his trainer for $425,000 at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, Invincible Ibis was a super successful pinhook for Kilgravin Lodge, sourced from the Widden Stud draft at Inglis Classic for just $80,000 by Kilgravin Lodge/ Waikato Bloodstock.
Invincible Ibis has the overall record of five wins and four placings from 11 starts.
Bred by Adrian Goonan, Invincible Ibis was foaled and raised at Widden and carries their famous brand.
He is the second winner from My Dear Friend, a winning half-sister by General Nediym to Aussie bred South African Group I winner Harry’s Son.
Invincible Ibis continues a great run for Hellbent, who has had three Group winners already this season in Savvy Hallie, Fully Lit and the NZ based Hawea.
