Latest news with #148th
South China Morning Post
17-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Caspar Fownes backs son of Epsom Derby winner to make an impact: ‘he'll eat it up'
Lo Rider (right) runs second at Sha Tin last month. Photos: Kenneth Chan Lo Rider may have the second-lowest rating in the field but Caspar Fownes is confident his son of Epsom and Irish Derby winner Harzand can make an impact in this weekend's BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m). While the 78-rated Lo Rider is one of nine Derby runners yet to be tested over 10 furlongs, Fownes believes the 2,000m of the city's most prestigious race will be ideal for his four-year-old. 'He'll eat it up, no worries. It's going to be a nice race. I think this year's Derby is quite open,' Fownes said. 'There's no superstar and you'd have to think 30-40 per cent of the field are going to be suspect at 2,000m. Ultimate prize! 🏆 14 horses will take their only chance at securing once-in-a-lifetime glory in the 148th @BMW Hong Kong Derby… 👀#4YOSeries | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 14, 2025 'He certainly deserves his spot in there and I believe he'll make his presence felt if the conditions suit, he gets a nice draw and has a good run.' A winner over a mile and 1,800m in Ireland pre-import when known as Sharinay, Lo Rider has yet to salute in five Hong Kong starts. But there's always been a belief among Hong Kong racing circles that he's capable of a big performance and Fownes hopes it all clicks when it matters most. 'I'm sure he'll beat at least half the field home and anything he does above that would be very nice,' he said. 'He's had excuses. One day he blew the start and didn't get a run and another day he over-raced a bit and still ran enormous. He's a nice horse whose future is all ahead of him.' A two-and-a-half-length fourth behind Bundle Award under Karis Teetan last start, Lo Rider will be ridden by Hugh Bowman this weekend. Bowman has twice ridden Lo Rider, managing only a fifth and a seventh earlier this year. Lo Rider shapes as Fownes' only Derby runner in 2025, with Sky Heart second reserve and Sky Trust fourth emergency despite having a higher rating than Beauty Alliance and Lo Rider. 'It's fair enough that he's on the reserve list. I agree with that,' Fownes said of Sky Trust, who could only manage 12th in the Classic Cup (1,800m). 'He's obviously better at 1,400m to a mile, in my opinion, but you give them their chance and hope that they're good enough to give the owners a chance to have a runner in the race.' Before chasing a third Derby win to go alongside those of Super Satin (2010) and Sky Darci (2021), Fownes will head to Happy Valley on Wednesday night hopeful of tasting success. The 57-year-old, who sits seventh in the premiership with 30 winners, saddles up Verbier, Perfect General, Super Contented, Super Sixty, M Unicorn and Sugar Sugar. 'I've got a couple of nice runners and Perfect General gets his chance from a nice gate, so fingers crossed,' said Fownes. Perfect General jumps from barrier four under Brenton Avdulla in the Class Four Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup (1,200m).
Voice of America
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Voice of America
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the ‘Super Bowl' of Dog Shows
At America's 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize. The lively schnauzer beat six other finalists in New York City to become the first of his breed to win Westminster's 'best in show.' The prize is the most important and respected in the U.S. dog show world. While Monty came close to winning Westminster the past two years, he fell short of the big prize. In December 2024, the dog won another big prize, the huge American Kennel Club championship. But for dog show lovers, Westminster is considered the Super Bowl of all shows. This year the comparison is especially fitting. That is because the most respected U.S. dog competition opened on the same weekend as the Super Bowl -- the most important game in American professional football. This rare happening came after the dates of both competitions changed in recent years. At Westminster, dogs first compete against other members of their breed. Then, the winner of each breed goes up against other dogs within different competition 'groups.' Among the groups are sporting, working, toy, and herding. Group winners then compete in the final round. The best in show winner gets an award – a large, shiny cup called a trophy – and a place in dog-world history. The top prize, however, does not include money. In her report on the dog show, Learning English's Caty Weaver explains that the Westminster show dates back to 1877. It centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize. But over the last few years, the organization has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs. In 2024, Sage, a miniature poodle, won best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show. And in 2023, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, named Buddy Holly, won best in show at Westminster. The breed he represents is known for its rabbit-hunting abilities. I'm Anna Matteo. Writers for the Associated Press reported this story from New York. Anna Matteo adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Top Dog Takes Westminster, the 'Super Bowl' of Dog Shows Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________ Words in This Story giant –adj. something unusually large or powerful finalist –n. a contestant in a competition finals breed –n. a particular kind of dog, cat, horse, etc. fall short (of something) –phrase fail to meet an expectation or standard for something herd –v. to move animals or people in a group agility –n. the quality or state of being ability to move with quick easy grace obedience –n. an act or instance of taking commands miniature –adj. something small of its kind
