Holland Handed Norse Mount

Darryll Holland will partner Norse Dancer when the David Elsworth stalwart goes globe-trotting again with a crack at the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong on the agenda.

The six-year-old will contest the Group One contest on April 23 a month after finishing a well-beaten eighth of 14 in the Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba.

Elsworth reported: 'He probably didn't run his best race in Dubai. He had a foot problem when he was out there and didn't handle the bend too well.

'He flies off again at the end of the week ? this time to Hong Kong for the QEII Cup. It will probably be an easier race.

'Ouija Board goes again, but there's money for the first six and there's not a lot else for him. He's fit and well and so I thought we ought to give it a whirl. Darryll Holland will ride him.'

Holland will take over from usual partner John Egan aboard the son of Halling.

'I've never ridden Norse Dancer in a race before but I can't wait to sit on him,' said the rider.

'He's a top-class horse, as his form shows, and if ever a horse deserved to win a big one it's him.

'In the past I have done very well in both Hong Kong and Singapore, so the track holds no fears. I've ridden plenty of winners there.

'It's hard to get on a really good horse when you are a freelance and I had to take this opportunity. I'm very grateful to Mr Elsworth and his owner, Mr Smith, for giving me the chance.'

Norse Dancer has been placed in Group One company on numerous occasions but he has yet to get his head in front at the highest level.

? PA Sport