Soumillon urges Moore to go global with exciting five-year-old
John Moore was surprised enough for one day when Christophe Soumillon's magic turned defeat into victory for Joyful Winner in the $1.6 million Chinese New Year Cup. But when the Belgian champion suggested he venture overseas for Group One glory with the five-year-old, Moore's cup truly did runneth over.
Joyful Winner was identified by the burgeoning army of Soumillon fans as the pea in the feature event on the huge Chinese New Year programme. But their money looked down the drain and beyond recall when the gelding was still back last at the 200 metres.
Suddenly, whoever was responsible for punters' good luck in the opening meeting in the Year of the Dog started to pay attention. The Australian-bred began to weave his way through the field but was suddenly baulked when Helene Pillaging shifted out in front of him.
'Honestly, at the 200 metres, I thought I was 50-1,' Soumillon said of the favourite, who was at odds-on for most of betting before making a late drift to start at $22.50.
'My horse was just starting to build some momentum when suddenly that horse shifted out in front of me and I had to pull hard on the right rein to change course. It was incredible that he could get up from there, but wow, he really powered the last little bit.'
