Andre Fabre is pressing ahead with a carefully mapped campaign for Sosie, who will launch his new season in the HK$30 million Group 1 QEII Cup over 2000 metres at Sha Tin on Sunday, April 26. For the master French trainer, it is not merely another overseas assignment, but a return to a venue he considers among the finest in world racing.
Fabre, one of the sport’s most decorated conditioners, knows exactly what is required on the international stage. Now 80, the legendary horseman will rely on the proven class and versatility of Sosie, whose 2025 campaign confirmed him as one of Europe’s most reliable elite performers.
Last December, Sosie delivered Fabre a memorable success in the Hong Kong Vase over 2400 metres, staying on strongly to defeat Giavellotto and Goliath. That victory capped a season in which the son of Sea The Stars collected three top-level wins and consistently held his own against the best middle-distance horses in training.
His form also included a commendable third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, where he finished behind Daryz and Minnie Hauk. It was another reminder of his toughness and ability to compete at the highest level, regardless of track or opposition.
This weekend’s assignment presents a different challenge. The trip is shorter than his preferred distance and the opposition is formidable, headed by local star Romantic Warrior, alongside Masquerade Ball and Royal Champion. Yet Fabre remains quietly optimistic.
“Romantic Warrior is a super horse,” Fabre said. “But Sosie is training well and he should run well. It’s his first run of the year and the race is pretty tough. In terms of ratings, we have the fourth chance, but Sosie adapted well to the course last time.
“Maxime Guyon was keen to ride him despite there being a good meeting at Longchamp the same day. We’re happy to compete. The Wertheimer brothers, they like a challenge.”
That competitive spirit from owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer has helped keep Sosie in training rather than sending him to stud. Fabre made clear that the desire to race at the highest level still outweighs any temptation to retire the five-year-old.
Fabre has never hidden the fact that Sosie is at his most effective over 2400 metres, but his record proves he is far from one-dimensional. He captured the Prix Ganay over 2100 metres and the Prix d’Ispahan over 1850 metres last year, highlighting a tactical range that makes him dangerous in races of varying tempos.
The decision to begin the season in Hong Kong is also rooted in race conditions. Fabre believes the likely pace of the QEII Cup will suit the gelding far better than some previous assignments.
“We ran him in the Eclipse at Sandown in July, but the strategy didn’t work out,” Fabre explained. “He was left in front and he didn’t like it. I’d rather him in behind. He likes a good, strong pace because basically he’s a mile and a half horse.
“We’re starting him in the QEII because we’re sure to get a good pace. After this, we’ll give him a break and probably go for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.”
Longer-term targets remain open. A third attempt at the Arc has not been ruled out after Sosie finished fourth in 2024 and third in 2025. For a horse of his calibre, the options naturally revolve around the sport’s biggest prizes.
Fabre’s affection for Hong Kong is equally clear. Having travelled there for more than a quarter of a century, he still speaks warmly of Sha Tin and the welcome extended to visiting teams.
“I think Sha Tin is one of the best courses in the world,” he said. “The design, the surface, the grass. Everything is perfect. And the stabling has been well-designed. Simple but comfortable.
“We’ve been so well treated and received by everybody in Hong Kong, it adds to the pleasure to go there.”
Whether Sosie can add another international triumph remains to be seen, but his presence ensures the QEII Cup will carry genuine global intrigue. With Fabre plotting the route and a proven performer in his care, few will dismiss the French challenger lightly.
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