Trio for Kinane in International
Irish star Mick Kinane will have three top rides in the International Races next month following confirmation that he will partner English invader Wixim in the showpiece, $7 million International Cup.
Kinane left Hong Kong yesterday after a two-day stopover for his Japan Cup mission on Pilsudski, buoyed by the news that trainer Roger Charlton wanted him for Wixim, whose victories in the season just ended in Britain included one over last year's Cup winner, First Island.
Kinane rides defending champion Luso in the Vase and the excellent Decorated Hero, third to Spinning World in the Breeders' Cup Mile, in the 1,400-metre Bowl.
'The trainer rang my English agent and they finally got hold of me very late on Wednesday. I think he is a realistic chance in the race on what I have seen of the expected field so far and Roger [Charlton] certainly thinks so,' said Kinane.
The International Bowl has been won twice by Kinane on Additional Risk for Dermot Weld and local hero Winning Partners, retired last week.
Kinane, who rode in Hong Kong for five seasons, expects to have seven rides on the International Races Day programme.
Former champion trainer John Moore confirmed yesterday that he will be using the globe-trotting superstar and said: 'I will have a couple of good rides for Mick on the day and I will also be helping out Darren Beadman as well.'
