Dubai still a possibility for Fast Network

[Wandering Eyes]

Fast Network (NZ)(Wrote) reaffirmed his standing among Hong Kong’s top sprinters with a determined victory in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Essex Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, providing trainer Dennis Yip with a timely reward for the gelding’s consistent campaign.

The five-year-old had already shown his quality earlier in the season when finishing third behind champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) in both the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) and the Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m). With the superstar absent this time, Fast Network capitalised to secure a well-deserved success.

Carrying top weight of 61kg, Fast Network settled comfortably along the rail before finding a clear passage in the straight and quickening to defeat Sky Trust (So You Think) and Invincible Shield (I Am Invincible). He stopped the clock in 1:08.28, highlighting both his speed and resilience against a field that included several emerging sprinters.

The victory rewarded a season of high-level performances for the Dennis Yip-trained runner, who has repeatedly competed with the best short-course horses in Hong Kong.

“Everybody knows that Ka Ying Rising is too strong everywhere in the world but my horse is really consistent,” Yip said. “I think this race my horse was only about 80 percent, with the idea to have him ready for Dubai.”

In normal times, the win would have been a timely launchpad for Dubai, but the situation off the track has become far more serious than any ordinary travel question. 

Hong Kong Jockey Club officials are weighing whether it is viable for Fast Network to head to the UAE for the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) on March 28 after missile and drone attacks, airport disruption and airspace uncertainty threw travel plans across the region into chaos.

The issue is far from theoretical for Hong Kong racing connections. Following last weekend’s Super Saturday meeting in Dubai, jockey Karis Teetan, trainer Chris So, several family members, the owners of the sprinter Sing Dragon (Written Tycoon) and support staff were temporarily stranded before finally returning home last week.

Fast Network would need to leave Hong Kong on March 16 to take his place in the Dubai race programme, but Yip indicated the final decision will rest with the Jockey Club, with safety considerations taking priority.

“If I can’t go to Dubai we will stay here and contest the Gr.2 Sprint Cup (1200m) here on April 6, so I guess we will race Ka Ying Rising again,” Yip said.

 “There have been many flights cancelled, then there is insurance. If there is war, maybe we can’t get insurance.”

Bred by Highview Stud’s Kurtis Gillovic, Fast Network was purchased by Wexford Stables for $30,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sales.

Originally named Donnie Malone, Fast Network won a trial at Te Rapa for Wexford trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott before his sale to Hong Kong.

Fast Network is one of eight individual winners from 11 runners in Hong Kong by Highview Stud stallion Wrote, a Group One winning son of High Chaparral.

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