Making his first start since winning the G1 Hong Kong Vase in December, Irishcorrespondent (racing under the name Exultant in Hong Kong) landed his fourth career Group victory when taking the G3 Centenary Vase. After being hampered near the start in the 1800m contest, he powered home down the outside in the straight to win by over a length with plenty in hand.
Starting his career in Ireland for Mick Halford, he was third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas before joining the stable of Tony Cruz, where he has landed a further five races to become one of the premier middle-distance runners in Hong Kong.
Irishcorrespondent was bred by Ballygallon Stud and is out of the winning Mark Of Esteem mare Contrary, herself a half-sister to Group-winning sprinters Caspian Prince and Spirit Quartz.
Teofilo, who will be standing this coming season at a fee of €40,000, has sired 16 top-flight scorers including Classic winners Trading Leather and Pleascach and last seasons Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter.
