Flawless Badel Ride Has Lor Happy and Healthy

Zoustar’s 7YO gelding Healthy Happy has bounced back to winning form by claiming Hong Kong’s Gr3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. According to racingnews.hkjc.com, a belated reunion with jockey Alexis Badel delivered a drought-breaking triumph. Badel has been aboard in three of Healthy Happy’s five Hong Kong wins – the 2021 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the 2022 Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) and Sunday’s HK$4.2 million feature – but the Frenchman has not always been available to partner the seven-year-old. A flawless pace-setting display allowed Healthy Happy to lead from start to finish, clocking 1m 21.93s, to defeat Circuit Stellar and The Golden Scenery. “He (Badel) controlled the pace very good. I’m very happy because this horse has gone a long time without winning,” said trainer Frankie Lor of the 15-race losing streak. “First-up is always best for him. Last season, he was beaten by a good horse, California Spangle, in this race first-up. This season, also first-up, he won.” Lor noted, “There are not many 1400m races for horses with high ratings (107), so maybe I’m looking at 1600m races. The Sha Tin Trophy on 15 October may be too close for him. The Jockey Club Mile on 19 November may be his next start. That would give him more time to rest and return to the races fresher.” Lor and Badel crowned a productive afternoon when Happy Together snared the Class 3 HKU Faculties Of Arts And Education Handicap (1600m).