Adrian Bott is preparing to hit a significant milestone in his training career as he sends out his first overseas runner in the prestigious FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin (Hong Kong) on April 27. The seasoned Australian conditioner, who co-trains alongside the legendary Gai Waterhouse, is hopeful that Royal Patronage, their capable six-year-old charge, can make a mark on the international stage in the HK$24 million contest.
Since forming a formidable partnership with Waterhouse in the 2016/17 season, Bott has played a key role in securing a string of top-level victories across the Australian racing landscape. Their collaborative efforts have yielded Group 1 wins in races such as the Golden Slipper, Thousand Guineas, and the VRC Oaks, among others. Now, the team has their sights set on overseas glory, buoyed by the recent form of Royal Patronage.
The European-bred gelding arrives in Hong Kong with a strong resume, including a standout win in the Canterbury Stakes earlier in March. He has remained competitive in each subsequent start, showing consistency and courage in some of Australia’s elite mile contests. Notably, his runner-up performance in the Doncaster Mile highlighted his readiness for the rigors of international competition. The Doncaster form has already been validated, with key rivals from that race performing admirably in Group 1 company since.
Bott is optimistic about Royal Patronage’s condition heading into the race. The horse is set to travel well in advance of the Champions Mile, allowing time to settle into his new surroundings. Bott believes spacing between races suits the gelding’s racing pattern, as he tends to perform best when kept relatively fresh. With careful planning and a measured approach to the journey, Bott is confident his charge will be in peak form come race day.
This will be Waterhouse’s return to Hong Kong after a long hiatus, and the moment carries significant weight. For the pair, a strong showing in this high-profile event would be more than just another notch in their achievements — it would represent the next chapter in their international ambitions. Bott notes the significance of such an opportunity and expresses admiration for Waterhouse’s enduring enthusiasm for taking on global challenges.
Adding to the sense of occasion is the inclusion of Tim Clark, a jockey familiar with the Hong Kong circuit, having notched numerous wins there. His experience could prove vital in navigating the Sha Tin mile, especially against a competitive field featuring horses like Voyage Bubble, Mr Brightside, Beauty Eternal, and My Wish.
Royal Patronage, known for his honest racing style and tactical versatility, is expected to be a contender who won’t shy away from a fight. Bott and Waterhouse are heading into this campaign with a quiet confidence and a belief that their galloper has the right attributes to be competitive on one of racing’s biggest stages.
