Owner Daniel Zigal realises BMW Hong Kong Derby dream with Invincible Ibis

Daniel Zigal has been active in Hong Kong horse racing since the 1990s, and his parents joined The Hong Kong Jockey Club as members in 1950. The family had their first runner at Happy Valley in 1960, and now, Zigal will experience the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) as a participating owner for the first time on Sunday (22 March), when the HK$26 million blue-riband event is held at Sha Tin.

Zigal is one of the Syndicate Managers – along with Nick Etches and Anthony Michael Souza – of the Ibis Syndicate, which races Invincible Ibis, one of the major contenders in this year’s BMW Hong Kong Derby. The Ibis Syndicate traces back to Ibis, their first runner in Hong Kong. Trained by Geoff Lane, the bay galloper won four races from 1990 to 1994.

“I am very proud to participate in the Hong Kong Derby this year,” Zigal said. “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. Frankly, I am very nervous ahead of the big day and I can’t wait to see our horse perform well on Sunday.

“Invincible Ibis is an exciting horse and is the one with plenty of potential. Mark (Newnham) told us that the horse is in top form now and with a good barrier draw (gate three), I am full of confidence that he can win this year’s Hong Kong Derby, no doubt about it,” Zigal added.

Zigal developed his interest in horse racing at a young age, shaped by his parents’ influence. His mother Irene Zigal owned Boyarin in the 1980s, and then Prince Igor and Prince Baikal in the 1990s. All were victorious in Hong Kong, winning four, six and four races, respectively. Inheriting his family’s passion for horse racing, Zigal went on to become a racehorse owner. His horses included Bolshoi Prince and Belarus, both top-class gallopers. Indeed, the family’s blue and white diamond sash silks were popular with racing fans at that time.

Zigal recalled: “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 and as such, I am really looking forward to Derby Day this Sunday.

“I really love horse racing. It brings lots of joy and fun to me and my family,” added Zigal, who was President of the Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association between 1995 and 1996.

“You will hear my voice at the racecourse on Sunday calling loudly the Chinese name of Invincible Ibis when the race is run,” Zigal said.

Sunday’s (22 March) 10-race programme at Sha Tin begins with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1600m) at 1pm. The 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), worth HK$26 million, is scheduled as Race 7 at 4.05pm.

Invincible Ibis was sold by Kilgravin Lodge at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale for $425,000 to trainer Mark Newnham.