Irishcorrespondent (now racing as Exultant) has been a superb flagbearer in Hong Kong for his sire Teofilo and on Sunday, 17 February, he took his second G1 contest in fine style when landing the Hong Kong Cup.
Racing keenly under jockey Zac Purton during the early stages of the 10-furlong contest, Irishcorrespondent was held up in mid division until taking the lead with three furlongs left to run. Once in front, he soon asserted his authority over his rivals, moving clear and easily holding off the fast-finishing Southern Legend to win by a length and a half.
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 six 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 stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €40,000, has sired 16 top-flight winners including Classic winners Trading Leather and Pleascach and last season's Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter.
