Australian racing lose Legend to Hong Kong

In a bittersweet postscript to The Everest, Classique Legend’s owner Bon Ho has confirmed the horse will head overseas.

While not ruling out a return to Australia to defend his title in the world’s richest turf race next year, Ho revealed his desire to campaign the sprinter on the international stage.

“I’ve got a slot in The Everest for three years and Classique Legend is likely to return next year – unless I have a better sprinter at home,” Ho said.

“But I think Classique Legend is one of the top two or three sprinters in the world and he will have a better opportunity to race globally if he is based in Hong Kong.

“We can race him in Dubai, Tokyo and even Royal Ascot but I hope he can be back in Sydney next year for The Everest again.”

Classique Legend scored a thumping victory in the $15 million The Everest at Randwick on Saturday, settling midfield and powering home to street his rivals by 2-1/2 lengths.

He is set to enter quarantine on Monday before travelling to Hong Kong for the International Sprint in December, ahead of a globetrotting campaign.

Classique Legend was set to be transferred to Hong Kong earlier this year but Ho’s plans were scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic.