Ballarat-based trainer Mitchell Freedman will chase a $100,000 bonus after his former Hong Kong-galloper Ho Ho Khan took out the Group 3 $250,000 Ladbrokes Hobart Cup (2400m) on Sunday.
A last start winner at Caulfield over 2000 metres on 8 January, the seven-year-old claimed the first of Tasmania’s feature Cups double with Victorian apprentice Tahlia Hope in the saddle.
Following the horse’s fourth start in Australia after transferring from Hong Kong, Freedman credited fellow trainer David Hall for the New Zealand-bred Ho Ho Khan ($5.50) making the successful transition.
“David Hall in Hong Kong suggested that the horse came here (to Australia) and we’re thankful for David doing that as he’s been a really good addition to the stable,” Freedman told tasracing.com.au.
“To win a feature race like in Tasmania is a real thrill.
“He’s a really good horse and we were rapt with the way the track was presented.”
Despite the race being on Freedman’s radar for some time, it was only in the days prior that the decision was made to cross the Tasman Sea.
“We hadn’t had a run for a little bit, but he worked that good on Tuesday morning at Ballarat that we just had to bring him here,” Freedman said.
“He’s done well since he’s been here with Scott Brunton and Tahlia rode the horse perfectly.”
Hope noted that despite being caught in an awkward position midrace, Ho Ho Khan’s toughness was the difference to score by 4-lengths in 2:32.59 over In A Twinkling($2.60F) and White Hawk ($14) 1½-lengths away in third.
All being well after race day, Freedman is eyeing the rich bonus available should Ho Ho Khan also snare the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) on 23 February.