Happy Valley success

14 Mar 2025

Great Spirit was too good for his rivals at Happy Valley overnight, coming from back in the field to take out his second win for trainer Dennis Yip.

 

The four-year-old by American Pharoah (USA) is putting together a nice record in Hong Kong, with two wins and three placings this preparation, adding to a debut second in his first Hong Kong preparation.

 

Great Spirit, a $40,000 Inglis Classic buy, is the first foal from resident mare Hermosa Beach (Magnus), herself a stakes placed winner of six races when trained by Matthew Dale and Philip Stokes. 

 

Hermosa Beach had a Russian Revolution colt sell for $140,000 to Greg Eurell at this year's Inglis Classic Sale and she has a weanling filly by Capitalist.

 

Great Spirit is one of three Willow Park winners in Hong Kong this season, alongside Gale Saga (So You Think) [two wins] and Spirit of Peace (Harry Angel).

 

Magic Millions graduate, Ever Smart (Merchant Navy), also put in a determined run for a good third in the first race at Happy Valley last night and will be one to watch next time out.