Invincible Ibis returns with Celebration Cup win as Newnham eyes Hong Kong Mile

Hong Kong Derby winner Invincible Ibis resumed with a neck victory in Sunday’s HK$4.2 million Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin.

The Hellbent gelding secured his sixth win from 12 starts, leaving trainer Mark Newnham to choose between the Hong Kong Mile and Hong Kong Cup in December.

Luke Ferraris settled Invincible Ibis midfield before taking the lead in the straight and holding off Galaxy Patch, while Stormy Grove finished another neck away in third.

“Truthfully, a little unexpected,” Newnham told the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “I thought at 1400m, carrying a little more condition with bigger goals ahead, if he ran a good third or fourth, I’d be satisfied.”

Newnham plans to enter Invincible Ibis for the HK$36 million Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and HK$40 million Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 13 December. He favours the mile for now, with runs in October and November to help settle the target.

Ferraris replaced regular rider Hugh Bowman, who was unavailable through injury. He and Newnham also won last season’s Celebration Cup with My Wish.

Newnham bought Invincible Ibis for $425,000 at the 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale. The Australian-bred gelding is the last foal of My Dear Friend.

Apprentice Nichola Yuen won aboard Causeway King, Victor The Winner and Aeroinvincible. Since returning to Hong Kong after training in Australia, she has recorded 20 wins from 137 rides, reducing her claim from 10lb to 7lb at the next meeting.

Victor The Winner and Aeroinvincible gave Pierre Ng a double and the lead in the trainers’ championship with seven wins.