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International

USA, Hong Kong and Bahrain all possible destinations for globetrotting Bangkok

Bangkok: won the York Stakes on his last start
Bangkok: won the York Stakes on his last startCredit: GROSSICK (racingpost.com/photos)

York Stakes winner Bangkok is set to head on his travels for a tilt at the Arlington Million in the US before possible journeys to Bahrain and Hong Kong later in the year.

The five-year-old has been a globetrotter for trainer Andrew Balding and owners King Power Racing, having previously raced in Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as well as picking up valuable prizes in Britain, and he gained a first success at Group 2 level when beating Mohaafeth and Armory on the Knavesmire last month.

While the possibility of supplementing Bangkok for the Juddmonte International was raised following his victory at York, he is unlikely to be seen at the Ebor festival and will instead begin an ambitious international campaign for the second half of the year.

He could contest the Bahrain International Trophy in November once again having finished ninth in the £500,000 race last year, before a potential first foray to Hong Kong for the prestigious Hong Kong International Races meeting in December.

Bangkok: Easter Classic winner earlier this year
Bangkok: Easter Classic winner earlier this yearCredit: Mark Cranham

His owner's racing manager, Alastair Donald, said: "There aren't many options for him in Europe, so we are going to go for the race in America and he will hopefully also go to Bahrain and Hong Kong later in the year.

"He needs fast ground and in the autumn over here you aren't really going to get that normally. We would need to supplement him for the Juddmonte and that would be a very brave decision to do so."

Donald also spoke of the delight of Bangkok's owners following his York victory, with his previous biggest wins coming in the Classic Trial at Sandown in 2019 and the Easter Classic on All-Weather Championships Finals Day earlier this year.

He added: "He has a great attitude and is in great form. We were very pleased with him to get his Group 2 the last day, it was very deserved."


Read more . . .

Red-hot favourite Mohaafeth beaten as Bangkok prevails in three-way tussle

Silvestre de Sousa masterclass as battling Bangkok lands Easter Classic spoils

Historic Arlington Park could close this year as owners put track up for sale


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Matt RennieReporter

Published on 4 August 2021inInternational

Last updated 18:13, 3 August 2021

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