Karaka Graduate Wins Singapore Gold Cup

Back in 2016, Mr Clint (NZ) (Power) attracted a total of less than $150,000 across his two trips through the Karaka sale ring. He has since forged a highly successful racing career in Singapore, which went to new heights on Sunday with victory in the S$1 million Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2000m).

The Lee Freedman-trained runner has now earned more than S$1.7 million – the equivalent of NZ$2 million, which is 38 times his price at the Select Sale and 21 times his price at the Ready to Run Sale.

Ridden on Sunday by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams, Mr Clint raced in mid-pack before swooping to the front at the home turn. He galloped strongly down the straight to win by three-quarters of a length.

“Lee was very confident with Mr Clint,” Williams said. He said he was going well, he was rock-hard fit and he didn’t tie me down to any instructions, he just told me this horse loves to have a lot of room.

“The race panned out as planned. I got a nice spot in midfield on the outside and I just let him roll forward from the back, he just outstayed them in the end.

“I’d like to thank Lee for the fantastic opportunity. His confidence convinced me to fly over.”

Freedman was delighted to have brought Williams in from Australia for the ride.

“I was at the Melbourne Cup and saw Craig win, and he’s now won the Gold Cup for me here – it’s most incredible,” Freedman said.

“I always knew Mr Clint was a good horse. He had a good prep all the way through, and if he gets a soft run and can come out wide, I was confident he could win.”

Mr Clint has now had 23 starts for five wins and eight placings. He had previously won the Singapore Guineas (1600m) in 2018, and he finished second in this year’s Singapore Derby (1800m).

For your chance to find another Mr Clint, head to Karaka for the 2019 Ready to Run Sale on November 20 and 21.