For lifelong racing enthusiast Daniel Zigal, the BMW Hong Kong Derby has always been more than just a race—it has been a family dream decades in the making. On Sunday, that dream edges closer to reality as he lines up as an owner for the first time in the prestigious 2000m contest at Sha Tin.
Zigal’s connection to Hong Kong racing runs deep. His parents became members of the The Hong Kong Jockey Club in 1950, and the family’s first runner appeared at Happy Valley Racecourse a decade later. Now, more than 60 years on, the family’s colours will be represented in one of the sport’s most coveted prizes.
At the centre of this moment is Invincible Ibis, a progressive contender carrying the hopes of the Ibis Syndicate, managed by Zigal alongside Nick Etches and Anthony Michael Souza. The syndicate itself traces its origins back to their first Hong Kong runner, Ibis, who enjoyed notable success in the early 1990s.
“I am very proud to participate in the Hong Kong Derby this year,” Zigal said, his voice reflecting both excitement and nerves. “It is an exciting race and personally this is the first time in my life to be involved in it as an owner. It means a lot to me and makes my dream come true to have a Derby runner.”
Invincible Ibis Carries BMW Hong Kong Derby Hopes
The bay gelding, trained by Mark Newnham, has steadily built a reputation as a horse of promise, arriving at the BMW Hong Kong Derby in strong condition. A favourable barrier draw in gate three has only added to the optimism within the camp.
“Invincible Ibis is an exciting horse with plenty of potential,” Zigal added. “Mark told us that the horse is in top form now and with a good draw, I am full of confidence that he can win this year’s Hong Kong Derby.”
For Zigal, Sunday’s race is not just about the present—it is the culmination of a lifelong association with the sport. His mother, Irene Zigal, owned a series of successful runners through the 1980s and 1990s, including Boyarin, Prince Igor and Prince Baikal, all of whom tasted victory in Hong Kong.
Zigal himself later campaigned notable performers such as Bolshoi Prince and Belarus, with the family’s distinctive blue and white diamond sash silks becoming familiar to racegoers of that era.
He recalls coming close to Derby participation before. “Bolshoi Prince once brought us hope to participate in the Hong Kong Derby, but in the end he couldn’t make it. But that’s racing,” he said. “As such, I am really looking forward to Derby Day this Sunday.”
That anticipation will reach its peak when the field assembles for the 149th running of the HK$26 million feature, scheduled as Race 7 at 4:05pm on a 10-race card at Sha Tin Racecourse. The programme begins earlier in the afternoon with the Class 4 Luger Handicap over 1600 metres at 1:00pm.
For Zigal, however, all focus will be on one race—and one horse. “You will hear my voice at the racecourse on Sunday calling loudly the Chinese name of Invincible Ibis when the race is run,” he said with a smile.
Whatever the outcome, the occasion marks a deeply personal milestone—one that binds past, present and future in a single, unforgettable moment on one of racing’s grandest stages.
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