GARY Moore is poised to return to Sha Tin on April 1 riding French challenger Sand Reef in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.
Top Australian contender Station Hand was officially withdrawn from the international 2,200-metre race by disappointed trainer David Hayes yesterday despite running an excellent third in the Group One Australian Cup over 2,000 metres on Saturday.
Station Hand was examined after the Flemington race by Hayes' veterinary surgeon and reluctantly withdrawn - paving the way for the Criquette Head-trained Sand Reef to come into the $4 million event.
Director of Racing, Philip Johnston, said: 'We have offered the vacant position to Criquette Head and Sand Reef and we are waiting to hear from her.' Head confirmed from Chantilly that, barring unforeseen circumstances and with a good track gallop later this week, Sand Reef would run.
And the Macau-based Gary Moore, a former champion jockey of France and multiple champion in Hong Kong, was ready to break out the champagne.
'I am delighted to hear that Sand Reef has been invited. I had dinner with Criquette last Wednesday in Paris and she confirmed me for the ride - if the horse was invited.
'I will be talking to her later today but this is the best news I have had since I made my comeback.
