Dual Gr1 Winner Shadow Hero Returns Home

After finishing twelfth in last Sunday's Gr1 Hong Derby, the connections of dual Australian Gr1 winner Shadow Hero (Pierro-Sookie, by Casino Prince) have decided to send the gelding back to Australia to continue his career. Having won four of his 11 starts in Australia, all at black type level, highlighted by the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes and Gr1 Randwick Guineas, the former Mark Newnham-trained runner headed to the Hong Kong stable of David Hayes with a large reputation, where the Edmond Lee-owned commodity failed to win in his five starts, with his best finish being a third in the Listed Hong Kong Classic Cup. Having had success in the past with Hayes, being involved in the ownership of Group 1 winners Redkirk Warrior (Notnowcato), Spillway (Rail Link) and Harlem (Champs Elysees), it is unsure if Lee will send Shadow Hero to Lindsay Park where his previous Hayes-trained Group 1 winners have been based or send the gelding back to his previous trainer at Warwick Farm. With a reported $3 million price tag having been paid to secure Shadow Hero from Australia, connections would be looking to try and recoup some of that, and if he can get back to his previous form, there is no reason to think it wouldn't be a possibility.