Drakenstein Stud’s successful sire Philanthropist enjoyed a big payday when his talented son Singapore Sling won the HK$10 000 000 Hong Kong Classic Cup, over 1800m, at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Bred by Drakenstein Stud, and in the care of South African born Tony Millard, Singapore Sling was steered to a 1.25 length win under jockey Chad Schofield.
Schofield, who booted home four winners on Sunday, had previously partnered the four-year-old to a runner up effort in the recent Hong Kong Classic Mile.
It was the biggest Hong Kong win of Schofield’s career, with the 24y year-old saying after the win, ”
“When I asked for the supreme effort, he responded nicely and he held that all the way to the line, so it was a very strong win. I just put my hands on the horse’s neck and let him tell me where he wanted to be and that was nice and close in the box seat. I was worried that perhaps I was too close because it was a strong pace throughout.
“The 2000 metres in the Derby will be no problem,” Schofield said. “He’s just on the right path, he’s getting better all the time, he’s relaxing, and mentally and physically I’m very happy with him. He’s a lovely horse to have heading into the Derby.”
In the process Singapore Sling turned the tables on his Classic Mile conqueror Nothingilikemore, who could only manage fourth in Sunday’s Classic Cup. Other notable racehorses beaten by the son of Philanthropist over the weekend was G1 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet, and G1 Queensland Derby hero Ruthven.
Singapore Sling, who won the 2016 G2 Investec Dingaans over subsequent G1 SA Classic winner Heavenly Blue, was a R225 000 buy from the 2015 Cape Premier Yearling Sale. The gelding has now won twice from just four outings in Hong Kong and looks a leading hope for the upcoming BMW Hong Kong Derby.

His sire Philanthropist, Leading All Weather Sire in North America in 2014, is a proven high-class stallion, whose notable runners include international champions Pender Harbour and Phil’s Dream.
The son of Kris S, and ¾ brother to US Triple Crown nominee, brother Bail Out, has also fared well in South Africa.
Philanthropist’s early local crops have already produced the likes of the above mentioned Singapore Sling, as well as high-class fillies Sail and Tsessebe, G3 Starling Stakes winner She’s A Giver, recent G2 Peninsula Handicap second The Slade and leading 3yo Pack Leader.
The latter, who finished a storming third in the recent G1 Investec Cape Derby, has already banked over R500 000 in stakes, with Pack Leader’s wins including the Listed Racing Association Stakes (a race won previously by July winning champions Bold Silvano and Big City Life).
Philanthropist, whose progeny have earned in excess of R220 million, has two fillies on offer at this week’s Cape Yearling Sale, to be held at the Mistico Equestrian Centre.