While he may have fallen just short of equaling the great Silent Witness (Aus)'s mark of 17 wins in a row when defeated in the G1 Stewards' Cup and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup last winter, he has since roared back and enters the three-peat attempt off a fast-finishing score over the pace-advantaged California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile Nov. 20. The latter, a €150,000 Goffs Orby acquisition for the connections of two-time Hong Kong Cup hero California Memory (Highest Honor {Fr}), was 3-5 to Golden Sixty's even-money in the Jockey Club Mile, and was given every conceivable chance by Zac Purton, only to be run down late. He faces the champ at level weights this time, but is the lone speed and must be caught.

A Japanese contingent headed by Schnell Meister (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) and Danon Scorpion (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), winners of the last two runnings of the age-restricted G1 NHK Mile Cup, stand in his way, but the connections of Golden Sixty have every reason to approach the three-peat attempt with supreme confidence.

“He's okay after the last run and, at the moment, I just try to keep him happy,” said trainer Francis Lui. “He's healthy, happy and is character is just the same. To me, I think he is a special horse. You can see every time, he just wants to pass a horse in front of him.”

Stretch those legs GOLDEN SIXTY!

See firsthand the care @Vincenthocy gives his Hong Kong champion before heading out to work… @HKJC_Racing | #HKIR pic.twitter.com/s9vtNHHjfV

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) December 9, 2022

Japan Can Cap Magical Season at Sha Tin

Even by its lofty standards, the 2022 racing season has been a landmark one for Japanese gallopers that have been sent overseas.

It all got started at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on the last Saturday of February, when Team Japan posted four victories on the G1 Saudi Cup undercard. Four weeks later at sprawling Meydan Racecourse, they somehow managed to top that incredible feat when no fewer than five horses got their pictures taken. It may not have gone swimmingly at places like Royal Ascot and Goodwood over the late spring and summer, and the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe remains the impossible dream–for now, at least–but Japan has realistic chances in three of the four races Sunday afternoon, none more so than the day's most valuable prize, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.

Panthalassa (Jpn), whose sire Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) was a breathtaking two-time winner of the Sprint, was one of the aforementioned scorers in Dubai, dead-heating with Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Dubai Turf and he figures no worse than the second betting favourite Sunday.

The 5-year-old may have found the 11 furlongs of the G1 Takarazuka Kinen a task too tall in June, but he was exceptionally game in second in his two most recent efforts–both from the front–first behind Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) after a fight in the G2 Sapporo Kinen and when given a bold ride in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn), opening up by as many as 15 lengths before just failing to hold off the talented Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). Panthlassa will look to channel his inner A Shin Hikari (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}, all-the-way winner of the 2015 Cup, but Jack d'Or could be the fly in the ointment if he, too, is asked to roll forward for Yutaka Take. Japan has won the last three Cups and five of the last seven.

Should a contested pace materialize, Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) looks the most likely beneficiary. Purchased for 300,000gns out of the 2019 Tattersalls October Sale by the Hong Kong Jockey Club team led by Mick Kinane and the current pin-up horse for the Hong Kong International Sale, last year's BMW Hong Derby and G1 FWD QE II Cup winner overcame an interrupted preparation with a victory over Tourbillon Diamond (Aus) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup Nov. 20.

“He's definitely going to be there when whips are cracking,” said jockey James McDonald, who was honored as the Longines World's Best Jockey Friday evening. “It's a very competitive Hong Kong Cup and he has to come up to another level taking on the Japanese but I'm sure he can.”

Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who took the 2020 GI Breeders' Cup Mile at cricket-score odds, won this year's G3 Minstrel S. (1400m) and was placed in the G1 Queen Anne S., G1 Prix du Moulin and GI Coolmore Turf Mile. Connections nevertheless opt for the Cup over a trip he has not tackled in over two years.

“He's been running all the time over a mile but we always thought stepping up over a mile and a quarter would improve him more,” trainer Aidan O'Brien said. “He's obviously by Australia and we're very happy with him, we'll see what happens on Sunday.

“He has won over seven furlongs twice as well, so we kept him at a mile after the Breeders' Cup win, but we'd think there's a pretty good chance that [2000m] will be fine.”

Hong Kong Hard To Go Past in Sprint

If the Japanese have been a problem too tough to solve in the Cup, the home team has nearly totally dominated the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. In the 23 renewals of the race dating back to 1999, on just six occasions have foreign horses launched a successful raid and only once in the last 11 years with Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in 2020.

Last year's Hong Kong champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) was badly hampered by the spill in last year's Sprint won by Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), but recovered to close the season with a successful defence of his crown in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize. The 6-year-old returned as the 135-pound topweight in the G2 Premier Bowl H. Oct. 23 and gave the progressive Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) 11 pounds and a one-length beating. The latter turned the tables last time in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Sprint, but Wellington was found to be lame thereafter and has since been passed fit to run. Ryan Moore subs in on Wellington for the injured Alexis Badel.

“I have strong feelings for Alexis Badel,” Gibson said. “It's a very big day for him to miss. He's got a very good relationship with Wellington. He understands the horse very well, so my thoughts are with him but obviously delighted to call on Ryan's expertise and experience for the big one.”

Moore was aboard Danon Smash from the 14 hole two years ago.

The 2022 Japanese challenge is spearheaded by the winners of the nation's two Group 1 sprints. Naran Huleg (Jpn) (Gold Allure {Jpn}) rallied furiously to just take out the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in the spring, while Gendarme (Kitten's Joy) belied odds of nearly 20-1 from close range in the G1 Sprinters' S. Oct. 2.

Singapore adds a bit more international flavour to the meeting and is represented by Lim's Kosciuszko (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}), winner of 11 from 14 at home, including the country's signature sprint test, the Lion City Cup in August, and he was versatile enough to win a Singapore Derby (1800m) prior to that effort.

What a stunning photoby @ashbrennanphoto of our mouse #kosi
We absolutely love this https://t.co/d59HLWJ5mB

— (@meagherracingsg) December 9, 2022

Vase Sets The Table

The G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase for the middle-distance set has attracted a two-time champion and an interesting collection of European shippers to face a somewhat suspect group of locals.

Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) doesn't make too many trips to the races and seems to save his best for Sha Tin. The 4-5 favourite when accounting for Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) last December, having won the Vase for the first time two years prior, the 7-year-old was eighth to Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March and was a fair sixth to Jack d'Or in the Sapporo Kinen. He will benefit from the extra 400 metres and has the services of Joao Moreira, who also rides Lei Papale (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Cup and Resistencia (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the Sprint in what is expected to be his final day in the saddle in Hong Kong.

Of the Euros, Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) owns the single most important piece of recent form, having run second to Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 5. A likely pacesetter from the inside gate, the 3-year-old is one of two for Aidan O'Brien, who also saddles the well-traveled Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}).

“We were delighted with him in the Breeders' Cup, he ran a very good race and had progressed from his previous run at Ascot,” O'Brien said of Stone Age. “We've been happy with everything we've seen from him since then. It had been on my mind to go to Hong Kong since after the Breeders' Cup, we thought the track, trip and ground should all suit him fine, we're all looking forward to it.”

Making his first visit to Hong Kong, Broome was an impressive winner of the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot, and has since made fruitless appearances back at Ascot, Saratoga, Leopardstown, ParisLongchamp and Keeneland, where he was five lengths' sixth in the Breeders' Cup.

“We had it in our heads that we might go to the [G1 Longines] Japan Cup, it just came maybe a week or two too early and that's why we waited. We were delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong with him. He's in good form and is a very good natured, very sound horse,” explained O'Brien, who has won the Vase twice with Highland Reel (Ire) and most recently with Mogul (GB) two years ago.

Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) upset last year's Arc winner Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden in September, but did not get through the deep ground in Paris when 12th in the Arc. The chestnut can go better on a sounder surface this weekend, provided he is on his best behaviour.

Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is winless from five this season, but has run with credit, including a close third to future Arc heroine Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Trainer Mikel Delzangles won the 2011 Vase with Dunaden (Fr). Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) represents Godolphin France and Andre Fabre and owns a victory over Saudi and Dubai winner Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville this past August.

THE PICKS:

Cup—Panthalassa will be winging it, but I expect Jack d'Or to keep him honest enough. That should give Romantic Warrior a fair shot at them late.

Mile–Not trying to beat Golden Sixty, especially from a favourable draw. Schnell Meister for second?

Sprint—Naran Huleg will be completely under the radar and probably shouldn't be. Rattled home in both of Japan's Group 1 sprints, good for a smashing win and a third.

Vase–Trying Mendocino, who was all heart to beat the Arc winner at Iffezheim and even has a close second to Alpinista going back. Must handle the quicker ground, but rates a chance. Glory Vase clearly the one to beat at his favourite track.

We're all set for Sunday's (11 Dec) @LONGINES #HKIR at Sha Tin!

Golden Sixty
Romantic Warrior
Wellington
Jack d'Or
Panthalassa
Bubble Gift
Mendocino
Stone Age
+ more…
x4 Group 1s
HK$110 million#競馬 | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/SNpPsUUnfL

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2022

The post Hong Kong’s ‘Golden’ Boy On the Verge of More History appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Winner under a five-pound penalty of the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Mile when making his seasonal debut three weeks ago, the 7-year-old has won 22 of his 25 starts to date for record Hong Kong earnings of over HK$116 million. With his chief rival California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) expected to make the running from gate two and with a pair of get-back runners in Schnell Meister (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) and 2021 runner-up More Than This (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) drawn one and three, respectively, Vincent Ho should be able to pick his spot and let Golden Sixty do the talking late.

“I got what I wanted,” trainer Francis Lui told South China Morning Post. “He can sit midfield and stay out of trouble. [Golden Sixty] is ready.”

On an afternoon where some HK$110 million is on offer, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup over the metric mile and a quarter is the day's richest at HK$34 million, not to mention the most interesting from a tactical standpoint. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is one of four in the race for Japan and landed the eight hole, with trainer Yoshito Yahagi assuring that the dead-heat winner of this year's G1 Dubai Turf will not be difficult to find.

“I don't care about the barrier draw because I know one thing–he will go to the front,” the colourful Yahagi, conditioner of last year's Cup heroine Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), told the Post.

You know the hat… it's Yoshito Yahagi! @netkeiba | #競馬 | #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/F5SYwyiUwN

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2022

His compatriot Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), whose sire won both a Hong Kong Mile (2015) and Hong Kong Cup (2016), could make things at least a bit tricky, as he may be ridden for speed by Yutaka Take from his low draw in two. The once-beaten Hong Kong rising star Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and James McDonald leave from barrier seven in what is clearly his toughest task to date.

For obvious reasons, double-digit alleys are not preferred in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and gate 10 is not ideal for reigning champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), though trainer Richard Gibson was taking it in his stride.

“Wellington, I'm pretty relaxed. He'll be finishing off from that draw, and that's maybe his forte. We're short of options. I haven't even spoken to Ryan [Moore], but at first glance, that's what we'll be doing,” he told SCMP.

Ryan Moore, who subs for the injured Alexis Badel, won the 2020 Sprint from the riverside draw aboard Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). Conversely, the up-and-coming Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) saw his already-strong hand fortified when landing a cosy slot in three.

Half of the field of 10 signed on for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase has shipped in from Europe, led by recent GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Half of an Aidan O'Brien-trained duo, the 3-year-old breaks from the inside stall and he should find himself in a race that is often times run at a crawl. Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) carries Yutaka Take from gate six, while Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}, gate 7) and Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}, gate 6) and Godolphin's Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}, gate 5) have earned their right to tackle the race. Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) tries to make some history of his own as he goes for a third Vase in four years and second in a row and carries Joao Moreira from the four.

Great photo of Coolmore's “Broome”in Hong Kong ahead of the 2022 Hong Kong Vase @HKJC_Racing photo by @ashbrennanphoto pic.twitter.com/NDTMVx8uGj

— Tom Magnier (@TomMagnier) December 8, 2022

The post G60 Scores Four at Longines HKIR Barrier Draw appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

In the history of the HKIR, only one horse–Good Ba Ba (Lear Fan)–has managed to score three victories at the meeting. More history could be made this year when two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) and Japan's Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) shoot for their third victories in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile and G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, respectively.

Golden Sixty should be a warm favourite to complete the feat, having defeated California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile on his seasonal debut Nov. 20. Japan, which is set to be represented by 14 runners across the races, has won the Mile on four occasions and fields a team of three, led by last year's third Salios (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Group 1 winner Schnell Meister (GB) (Kingman {GB}). The current connections of dual Group 1 winner Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) have also accepted, but her participation hinges on the results of the upcoming Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions, for which she holds an entry.

HK$30 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) selected runners:

Golden Sixty
California Spangle
Salios
Schnell Meister
Waikuku
Beauty Joy

Cont'd. pic.twitter.com/c8gFjNr2QO

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

Glory Vase could face as many as 10 while looking to add to his wins here in 2019 and again last year, but he is not the highest-rated in the event. Broome (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), one of three invitees from Aidan O'Brien, is two pounds clear of Glory Vase and Germany's G1 Grosser Preis von Baden hero Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) on 118. Ballydoyle could also send out Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and recent GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Joao Moreira has already picked up two HKIR rides for Japan and could climb back aboard Glory Vase in what could be his final rides at Sha Tin, after officially forfeiting his licence Wednesday.

HK$22 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) selected runners:

Broome
Bubble Gift
Glory Vase
Mendocino
Botanik
Senor Toba
Panfield
Butterfield
Bolshoi Ballet
Win Marilyn
Stone Age

#グローリーヴェイズ #競馬 | #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/2CqGFOzidL

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

Hong Kong's champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) tops a full field of 14 in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, but his participation is in some doubt after pulling up lame behind Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) in last weekend's G2 Jockey Club Sprint. One of Moreira's rides comes aboard Resistencia (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), runner-up in last year's tragedy-marred Sprint, while G1 Sprinters' S. hero Gendarme (Kitten's Joy) also jets in. Lim's Kosciuszko (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}) is Singapore's second highest-rated galloper and earns a spot in the field over three locally based runners.

HK$24 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) selected runners:

Wellington
Sky Field
Gendarme
Lucky Patch
Lucky Sweynesse
Super Wealthy
Naran Huleg
Stronger

Cont'd. pic.twitter.com/LLdvtZ7IC7

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

The G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup looms the race of the day, as the once-beaten Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) takes on a classy bunch over the 2000 metres. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) dead-heated with Lord North (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in this year's G1 Dubai Turf and most recently set a searching gallop in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) before yielding late. Prior to that effort, the 5-year-old was reeled in by Jack d'Or (Jpn)–a son of 2016 Cup winner Maurice (Jpn)–in the G2 Sapporo Kinen. Japan is also represented by Classic winner Geoglyph (Drefong) and Lei Papale (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), sixth here last year and also a confirmed Moreira ride. Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), best known for his 73-1 upset in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, lands here where he will try a grassy 10 furlongs for just the third time in his 23-race career. The 5-year-old was fourth in the 2020 G1 Irish Derby going 2400 metres.

HK$34 million G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) selected runners:

Panthalassa
Romantic Warrior
Jack d'Or
Order Of Australia
Russian Emperor
Danon The Kid

Cont'd. pic.twitter.com/ktWcVunxSw

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 23, 2022

Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “Once more, we are delighted that the quality of selected runners for this year's Longines Hong Kong International Races is in keeping with our long-held commitment to deliver sporting excellence and this is highlighted with strong groups from Japan and Europe headed for Hong Kong to compete against Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior and more.”

Worth a combined HK$110 million (£11.7m/€13.6m), the Longines Hong Kong International Races will take place in front of an expected crowd of better than 30,000 fans Sunday, Dec. 11 at Sha Tin Racecourse.

The post Golden Sixty, Glory Vase Set For Longines HKIR Three-Baggers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

On a day when Golden Sixty charged into Hong Kong racing history with a record 19th win in the jurisdiction with a triumphant defense of his LONGINES Hong Kong Mile crown, Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges pointed to Hong Kong's ability to compete with racing super-powers with much larger horse populations.

“Hong Kong has a horse population of 1,350 horses and we hold our own against the best in the world, we compete successfully against countries with a horse population of 8,000 or 14,000,” Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges said. “It is something Hong Kong can be very proud of.

“Golden Sixty is an incredible horse and he again showed today what a phenomenal horse he is. Francis Lui and Vincent Ho have done an incredible job and now he has bettered the record he shared with Beauty Generation and Silent Witness.”

Golden Sixty eclipsed world-class opposition to provide Hong Kong with pride and joy, Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

Caspar Fownes and Blake Shinn combined with Sky Field to win the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, while Japan struck twice through Glory Vase (LONGINES Hong Kong Vase) and Loves Only You (LONGINES Hong Kong Cup).

The pair had previously prevailed at the HKIR.

“Today is a day which had tremendous sporting success and this is something everybody in the Club should be proud of,” Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges said. “There are people you do not see who make a big commitment to the Club and to this event.

“I am extremely grateful for their contributions and I commend them for their dedication.

“I also thank the Government for trusting us to stage LONGINES HKIR in such trying circumstances. The closed-loop racing bubble has worked extremely well.

“As wonderful as the racing was today, we also had the unfortunate and tragic circumstances in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, where there was an accident. Our thoughts are with the injured jockeys and we wish Zac Purton, Lyle Hewitson, and Yuichi Fukunaga a speedy recovery. Nobody likes to see these accidents and the owners of the horses involved are also in our thoughts.”

“If this incident did not happen, it would probably have been one of the greatest achievements of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, to pull something like this off. Sometimes you have setbacks and you have to overcome challenges, which we have always proven to do.

“My thanks go to all the trainers and jockeys, especially from overseas, who have gone through tremendous sacrifices. I want to apologize to the owners because when your horse runs you want to see it but they still supported us, which shows that we have that trust. For us, it is extremely important that we stage this event because, if we had not staged it, you lose your spot in the world scene. We are extremely proud that we have achieved this but there is definitely sadness which over-runs everything.”

Turnover for the meeting was a record HK$1.728 billion.

The post HKJC’s Engelbrecht-Bresges Calls 2021 Hong Kong International Races ‘A Tremendous Sporting Success’ appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

It was a repeat of their 2019 success but achieved in different style as Moreira registered his seventh Hong Kong International win and his third in the Vase having also been successful on the Japanese-trained Satono Crown in 2016.

Glory Vase unleashed a withering burst from second last turning for home, in contrast to the handier stalking passage he enjoyed in 2019, to deny fairytale results for the trainers of the placegetters. Briton William Muir with his Hong Kong debut runner in second-placed Pyledriver and Frenchman Alain de Royer-Dupre – twice a HKIR winner – who prepared third place Ebaiyra, who'll be his final Hong Kong runner as the trainer retires at the end of the year.

Local challenger Reliable Team led, as expected, but was exposed early to significant pressure from Stay Foolish, the one other Japanese-trained runner, with Martin Dwyer – who won the Vase in 2004 – ensuring that Pyledriver enjoyed the slipstream run behind the pacemakers and the Muir-trained stayer looked the likely winner on straightening but could not hold out the indefatigable Glory Vase.

Dwyer was delighted with the performance of his mount but conceded, which was apparent for all to see, that the winner was simply too good.

“Really pleased, good run but I think the winner is very good,” Dwyer said.

Moreira, meanwhile, was understandably upbeat about the winner whom he described as his “best chance” in the International Races in the preamble to the meeting.

“No doubts about it, I did enjoy it so much,” Moreira said, “this win and everything in my life is to the honor of Jesus Christ, who has been in my life always and today has been a very good example.

“I felt Him with me and everything went as I expected. I had a smooth run, going to the fence and saving ground. I just made sure I got into the clear and I know he's a very strong horse at the finish and there was not a fight.

“He has proven to be the best horse today.”

Christophe Soumillon, who rode minor placegetter Ebaiyra, said the French filly performed creditably. “She ran well, she was a bit keen in the first part of the race. When we came to the last turn, I thought she would probably fight for the win but the last 200 (meters), she got tired.”

Last year's winner Mogul conceded meekly in the home straight after being poised to challenge coming to the home turn and jockey Ryan Moore said he was “disappointing”.

Glory Vase won by one length from Pyledriver with Ebaiyra a further two and a half lengths back in third. Glory Vase was competing in Hong Kong for the second time this year having finished second to Loves Only You in the G1 FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) in April.

Hong Kong racing continues this Wednesday, December 15, at Happy Valley.

The post Glory Vase Wins Second Hong Kong Vase At Sha Tin appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Making the final appearance of her illustrious career, Japan's Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) displayed the same refuse-to-lose attitude that carried her to a history-making success in last month's GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in Sunday's G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, at HK$30 million the richest of the four events that make up the 'Turf World Championships'–the Longines Hong Kong International Races.

Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), one of three Japanese winners in 2019, took home a second G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, defeating a game G1 Coronation Cup hero Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), while Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) proved too tough for the 16th consecutive time and for the 19th time in 20 starts, successfully defending his title in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. A horrific spill stripped much of the lustre off the running of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, won by 21-1 Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), but the greater concern was for the two horses–Amazing Star (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and Naboo Attack (Aus) (Warhead {Aus})–who suffered catastrophic injuries, and three riders who were taken to nearby Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment.

Given the green light by the HKSAR government to conduct the meeting in a racing 'bubble', the Hong Kong Jockey Club welcomed 18,600 fans to the races Sunday afternoon. Total turnover for the afternoon was HK$1.728 billion, a new record.

“Today is a day which had tremendous sporting success and this is something everybody in the Club should be proud of,” said HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “There are people you do not see who make a big commitment to the Club and to this event.

“As wonderful as the racing was today, we also had the unfortunate and tragic circumstances in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint, where there was an accident. Our thoughts are with the injured jockeys and we wish Zac Purton, Lyle Hewitson and Yuichi Fukunaga a speedy recovery. Nobody likes to see these accidents and the owners of the horses involved are also in our thoughts.”

All You Need Is 'Loves'…

A spectacular career and truly marvelous season came to a thrilling conclusion in the Longines Hong Kong Cup, as Japan's Loves Only You jumped out of the ground in the final 100 metres and outslugged her heavily backed compatriot Hishi Iguazu (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) to score narrowly. It was a second straight Cup success for a Japanese-bred female, following on from Normcore (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), who swan-songed in the same event last December.

Straight into a forward position from her low draw, Loves Only You settled in about fifth, as Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) rolled up deep to set the pace from G1 Irish 2000 Guineas hero Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) and Ka Ying Star (GB) (Cityscape {GB}). Holding her spot one off the fence and racing in the slipstream of Bolshoi Ballet into the final three furlongs, Loves Only You kicked, but found herself in tight between the pacesetters at the 300-metres, as Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) got first run and shot to the lead after covering Loves Only You on the turn. Hishi Iguazu was winding up down the centre and it looked desperate for the bonny mare, but, same as she did at Del Mar, she took one more determined deep breath and sliced through dramatically for the win.

“She jumped well. The pace was a bit slow but then she relaxed and I was able to find a good position,” said winning rider Yuga Kawada, whose mount in the Sprint, Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) hurdled the stricken Amazing Star. “She's given me two big presents and is the best female horse I've ever ridden. I hope she will be a good mother.”

The 2019 G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) winner, Loves Only You was campaigned ambitiously in 2021, winning the G2 Kyoto Kinen in February ahead of a very game third to Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Victorious in the G1 FWD QE II Cup over this course and distance the following month, she was runner-up to fan-favourite Sodashi (Jpn) (Kurofune) in the G2 Sapporo Kinen at home ahead of her landmark score at the Breeders' Cup meeting.

Enjoy retirement, girl! #ラヴズオンリーユー @netkeiba #競馬 | #HKIR #HKracing pic.twitter.com/lpv1AURtMZ

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 12, 2021

Pedigree Notes…

The unraced Loves Only Me was acquired by Katsumi Yoshida for $900,000 in foal to Danehill Dancer (Ire) at the 2009 Keeneland November Sale and came with plenty of pedigree appeal, as her dam Monevassia was a full-sister to dual GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Miesque (Nureyev)'s son Kingmambo and had produced champion and future Broodmare of the Year Rumplestiltskin (Ire) (Danehill)–subsequently the dam of G1SW Tapestry (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and GSW John F Kennedy (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). In addition to Kingmambo, Miesque was also responsible for G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix de Diane heroine East of the Moon (Private Account); GSW Mingun (A.P. Indy); GSW/MG1SP Miesque's Son (Mr. Prospector), sire of 2006 Breeders' Cup Mile hero Miesque's Approval.

Loves Only Me is the dam of seven winners from eight to race, all bar the in-utero foal by Deep Impact, and with Sunday's win, has progeny earnings of nearly $20 million. The cross of the late Shadai inmate over Storm Cat and Storm Cat-line dams has been sensationally productive, accounting for nearly 20% of the stallion's 53 worldwide Grade I/Group 1 winners, including recent G1 Yasuda Kinen hero Danon Kingly (Jpn), Hong Kong Cup-winning sire A Shin Hikari (Jpn), Satono Aladdin (Jpn) and French 1000 Guineas heroine Beauty Parlour (Jpn), among others.

Loves Only Me has also been a commercial success at the JRHA Select Sales. Loves Only You fetched ¥160 million ($1,404,800) as a yearling at the 2017 sale, while a Heart's Cry (Jpn) half-brother to Loves Only You made ¥280 million ($2,537,293) as a foal at this year's Sale. Loves Only Me is also represented by a yearling colt by Duramente (Jpn), who passed away this past September.

WATCH: Loves Only You goes out with a bang

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG CUP-G1, HK$30,000,000 (£2,913,356/€3,394,810/A$5,268,927/US$3,847,229), 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:00.66, gd.
1–LOVES ONLY YOU (JPN), 122, m, 5, by Deep Impact (Jpn)
1st Dam: Loves Only Me, by Storm Cat
2nd Dam: Monevassia, by Mr. Prospector
3rd Dam: Miesque, by Nureyev
(¥160,000,000 Ylg '17 JRHAJUL). O-DMM Dream Club Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm; T-Yoshito Yahagi; J-Yuga Kawada; HK$17,100,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Jpn, GISW-US, G1SP-UAE, 16-8-2-3, HK$67,678,050. Full to Real Steel (Jpn), Hwt. Older Horse-UAE at 7-9.5f, G1SW-UAE, MGSW & MG1SP-Jpn, $7,508,769; Prodigal Son (Jpn), SW & MGSP-Jpn, $1,564,219; and Langley (Jpn), SP, $1,173,360. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Hishi Iguazu (Jpn), 126, h, 5, Heart's Cry (Jpn)–La Liz (Arg), by Bernstein. (¥97,000,000 Wlg '16 JRHAJUL). O-Masahide Abe; B-Northern Racing; T-Noriyuki Hori; J-Joao Moreira; HK$6,600,000.
3–Russian Emperor (Ire), 126, g, 4, Galileo (Ire)–Atlantic Jewel (Aus), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). O-Mike Cheung Shun Ching; B-Coolmore, Lauri Macri & Partners; T-Douglas Whyte; J-Blake Shinn; HK$3,000,000.
Margins: SHD, 3/4, NK. Odds: 8-5, 24-5, 23-1.
Also Ran: Dubai Honour (GB), Tourbillon Diamond (Aus), Lei Papale (Jpn), Berlin Tango (GB), Glorious Dragon (Ire), Bolshoi Ballet (Ire), Ka Ying Star (GB), Panfield (Chi), Mac Swiney (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Hong Kong History For Golden Sixty…

Twelve months after Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) made the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile his 11th straight victory, the reigning Horse of the Year was at his brilliant best in defending his title Sunday under a sublime ride from his constant mate Vincent Ho.

A horse that is happy to sacrifice ground loss for a unimpeded run when push comes to shove, Golden Sixty's task Sunday was a bit 'tricky' in the words of Ho, owing mostly to the fact that the 6-year-old had drawn gate two, and also because there did not appear to be an abundance of speed signed on. Golden Sixty has been known to overrace when the pace doesn't suit, but he settled kindly enough, a touch keenly in midfield in the early stages of Sunday's Mile, as Salios (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) speared through at the rail to take up the running from longshot Lucky Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}).

Slipped a bit of rein at the 1000-metres, Golden Sixty tip-toed into an above-average handy position for him, about five lengths from the speed, readying himself for the sprint when the cue was given.

Tracking Lucky Express into the stretch, Golden Sixty was jerked back to the inside nearing the quarter pole, came off Salios's heels with a furlong and a half to race and proved comfortably best. More Than This (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), who nearly defeated the champ in last year's G1 Champions' Mile, rattled home for second ahead of Salios in third. Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) attacked the line nicely to be fourth.

With the victory, Golden Sixty surpasses two-time Mile hero Beauty Generation (NZ) and Silent Witness (Aus) as the winningest horse in Hong Kong history with 19. He is all but certain to supplant the former as the richest horse in Hong Kong history–he is now within just HK$10 million–and has Silent Witness's 17-race winning streak in the crosshairs.

“I knew he was at his best, gate two was a little bit tricky, I didn't want to be stuck on the inside, but eventually the race panned out well and the pace was genuine,” Ho said. “It was much better today because the pace was on, he actually relaxed very well and as a 6-year-old he's more mature, so it's even better.”

Champions. pic.twitter.com/E9zAgVENvr

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 12, 2021

Pedigree Notes…

Bred in Kentucky by Manganaro LLC, Gaudeamus was purchased by Newmarket International from the Lane's End consignment for $60,000 at the 2005 Keeneland September sale. Trained by Jim Bolger for his wife Jackie, Gaudeamus posted her most important victory in the 2006 G2 Debutante S. at Leopardstown. Bred to the late Pivotal (GB) to Southern Hemisphere time in 2007, Gaudeamus produced her first foal, a colt, for Bob and Rosemary Scarborough's Wood Nook Farm in the Australian winter of 2008.

Gaudeamus was purchased for A$160,000 by Josh Hutchins Bloodstock carrying the foal that would become Golden Sixty at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. The mare's first Australian foal of note was Igitur, who went on to be third in the 2017 Listed Tasmanian Derby, and a few months later, Gaudeamus was bought back on a bid of A$75,000 in foal to Choisir at the National Broodmare Sale. That offspring, Rainbow Connection (Aus), was runner-up in the 2021 G3 Hawkesbury Guineas, and the decision to retain the mare looks sufficiently wise in retrospect.

Gaudeamus's yearling filly by Capitalist (Aus) sold to All Winners Thoroughbreds for A$425,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale. Gaudeamus missed to Trapeze Artist (Aus) for 2020 and was bred to Wootton Bassett (GB) in October. This is also the female family of champion Bosra Sham (Woodman), her champion full-brother Hector Protector and French Classic winner Shanghai (Procida).

WATCH: Sweet Sixteen for Sixty

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG MILE-G1, HK$26,000,000 (£2,524,877/€2,942,208/A$4,653,070/US$3,334,265), 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.86, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 126, g, 6, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo's Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo '17 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui K W; J-Vincent Ho C Y; HK$14,820,000. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. Miler & Ch. Middle Distance Horse-HK, 20-19-0-0, HK$95,453,100. *1/2 to Rainbow Connection (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), GSP-Aus. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–More Than This (GB), 126, g, 5, Dutch Art (GB)–Striving (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). (40,000gns Ylg '17 TATOCT). O-Huang Kai Wen; B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd; T-Danny Shum C S; J-Derek Leung K C; HK$5,720,000.
3–Salios (Jpn), 126, c, 4, Heart's Cry (Jpn)–Salomina (Ger), by Lomitas (GB). O-Silk Racing Co Ltd; B-Northern Racing; T-Noriyuki Hori; J-Damian Lane; HK$2,600,000.
Margins: 1 3/4, NK, HF. Odds: 3-10, 43-1, 13-1.
Also Ran: Mother Earth (Ire), Indy Champ (Jpn), Vin de Garde (Jpn), Waikuku (Ire), Danon Kingly (Jpn), Sky Darci (NZ), Excellent Proposal (Aus), Lucky Express (Aus). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Shinn Shines, But Heavy-Hearted Following Sprint…

A little more than two years after riding his first winner in Hong Kong in September 2019, well-traveled Australian jockey Blake Shinn partnered with the Caspar Fownes-trained Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus})–the horse that late last season provided him with his first victory at Group level in the jurisdiction–to take out an injury-marred and ultimately sombre renewal of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint.

Shinn, who won the 2008 G1 Melbourne Cup with Viewed (Aus) (Scenic {Ire}) for the legendary Bart Cummings, settled Sky Field last but two in the Sprint field, as Computer Patch (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) showed the way from Courier Wonder (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}), with Amazing Star (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) tracking three deep.

There was a dramatic and tragic turn of events as the field neared the final corner, as Amazing Star went wrong, casting Lyle Hewitson heavily to the turf, and favoured Lucky Patch (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}) with Zac Purton fell right in his wake. The massive Naboo Attack (Aus) (Warhead {Aus}) (Karis Teetan) was also brought down, as was Japan's Pixie Knight (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) (Yuichi Fukunaga). Sadly, the injuries to Amazing Star and Naboo Attack proved fatal, while Lucky Patch emerged apparently unscathed. Netkeiba reported that Pixie Knight has a left fore knee fracture and a sprain in the right hind. Teetan was passed fit to ride the remainder of the card, but Hewitson, Purton and Fukunaga were taken to Prince of Wales Hospital not far from Sha Tin.

“The three jockeys are all in a stable condition and they were conscious when they were transported to hospital. Zac and Lyle are in ICU, they're conscious and their vitals are all stable,” Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding told South China Morning Post.

Down inside, Sky Field avoided the pile-up, raced past a wandering Courier Wonder at the sixteenth marker and was home first, as Resistencia (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), bothered by the winner in upper stretch, charged at him late.

“I have mixed emotions for winning this race today,” Shinn said. “Obviously, the first emotion is that my feelings are with the fallen jockeys and horses out there. It's gut-wrenching for any rider to see a horse go down. What's happened today, it's a real bitter-sweet win and in a way it's a hard win to take in the circumstances. All credit to Caspar Fownes, he's given me the opportunity to ride this lovely animal over the previous season and this season.”

Pedigree Notes…

Sky Field is the second top-level scorer and one of 12 black-type winners overall for Deep Field, the sire of 14 Hong Kong winners overall. The chestnut is one of five winners from six to race from his dam, a winning daughter of Mer du Sud, whose son The Duke (Aus) (Danehill) won the 2006 Hong Kong Mile after placing in the event the two years prior. Mer du Sud is also the granddam of GSW/G1SP Keen Array (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}) and SW & G1SP Chambord (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}). Laravissante is the dam of the 3-year-old filly Jolie Christine (Aus) (Pride of Dubai {Aus}) and a yearling filly by Pariah (Aus). Her foal of 2021, a full-sister to Sky Field, unfortunately passed away and she was given the current breeding season off.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG SPRINT-G1, HK$24,000,000 (£2,330,656/€2,716,884/A$4,295,672/US$3,077,850), 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:08.66, gd.
1–SKY FIELD (AUS), 126, g, 5, by Deep Field
1st Dam: Laravissante (NZ), by O'Reilly (NZ)
2nd Dam: Mer du Sud (Ire), by Bluebird
3rd Dam: Make Plans, by Go Marching
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (NZ$175,000 Ylg '18 NZBJAN). O-Kwan Shiu Man, Jessica Kwan Mun Hang & Jeffrey Kwan Chun Ming; B-M Ryan (NSW); T-Caspar Fownes; J-Blake Shinn; HK$13,680,000. Lifetime Record: 18-6-2-5, HK$25,577,700. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Resistencia (Jpn), 122, f, 4, Daiwa Major (Jpn)–Malacostumbrada (Arg), by Lizard Island. O-Carrot Farm Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm; T-Takeshi Matsushita; J-Christophe Soumillon; HK$5,280,000.
3–Courier Wonder (NZ), 126, g, 4, Sacred Falls (NZ)–Fabulist (NZ), by Savabeel (Aus). (NZ$150,000 Ylg '19 NZBJAN). O-Mr & Mrs Chadwick Mok Cham Hung; B-Waikato Stud Ltd; T-John Size; J-Joao Moreira; HK$2,400,000.
Margins: 3/4, 3/4, HF. Odds: 21-1, 13-1, 7-2.
Also Ran: Hot King Prawn (Aus), Stronger (Aus), Computer Patch (Aus), Wellington (Aus), Danon Smash (Jpn). DNF: Pixie Knight (Jpn), Lucky Patch (NZ), Naboo Attack (Aus), Amazing Star (NZ). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

More Vase 'Glory' For Japan, Moreira…

For the third time in the last six years, jockey Joao Moreira teamed up with a shipper from Japan to scoop the first of the day's four Group 1s, the Longines Hong Kong Vase, in this case with the same horse he guided to victory two years back, Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). European raider Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) made a bold bid in upper stretch, but couldn't quite see it out, while Aga Khan homebred Ebaiyra (Distorted Humor) turned in a cracking effort to be third.

Glory Vase stepped away neatly and eased down onto the fence while tossing his head about, as Reliable Team (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) lobbed them along with mild pressure from Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) with a circuit to travel. Settled on the back of defending champion Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) rounding the first bend at the 1600 metres, Glory Vase switched off well as the speed remained even up front. Unhurried into the final half-mile, Glory Vase was set alight by Moreira off the home corner and had Pyledriver to catch after the latter claimed the front-runners in upper stretch. Pyledriver pinched what appeared to be a commanding advantage with a bit more than a furlong to gallop, but Glory Vase had the better late kick and raced away to a popular score.

“I had a smooth run, going to the fence and saving ground,” said Moreira. “I just made sure I got into the clear and I know he's a very strong horse at the finish and there was not a fight. He has proven to be the best horse today.”

Of the valiant runner-up, Martin Dwyer said: “Really pleased, good run but I think the winner is very good.”

Only lightly raced, with now 17 starts nearing the end of his 6-year-old campaign, Glory Vase made his seasonal debut in the 2000-metre G2 Kinko Sho Mar. 14, finishing a close fourth before traveling back to Hong Kong to round out a Japanese exacta behind Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the FWD QE II Cup the following month. He would have taken plenty of benefit from his lone run since, a third in the G2 Sankei Sho All Comers S. Sept. 26 in which he made multiple moves and ran right through the line.

The Vase hero, Glory Vase #グローリーヴェイズ gets some from his handler. @netkeiba #競馬 | #HKIR #HKracing pic.twitter.com/nNZQoVkByf

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 12, 2021

Pedigree Notes…

Glory Vase has a twice-raced 3-year-old half-sister named Ohagi (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) and his yearling half-brother by Heart's Cry (Jpn)–already named Ezo Daimon (Jpn)–sold to Susumu Fujita for ¥165 million (about $1,496,804) at this year's JRHA Select Sale. Mejiro Tsubone foaled another colt by Heart's Cry this year and was most recently bred to the late Duramente (Jpn).

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
LONGINES HONG KONG VASE-G1, HK$20,000,000 (£1,942,213/€2,263,237/A$3,579,727/US$2,564,875), 3yo/up, 2400mT, 2:27.07, gd.
1–GLORY VASE (JPN), 126, h, 6, by Deep Impact (Jpn)
1st Dam: Mejiro Tsubone (Jpn), by Swept Overboard
2nd Dam: Mejiro Rubato (Jpn), by Mejiro Ryan (Jpn)
3rd Dam: Mejiro Ramonu (Jpn), by Mogami (Fr)
(¥52,000,000 Ylg '16 JRHAJUL). O-Silk Racing Co Ltd; B-Lake Villa Farm; T-Tomohito Ozeki; J-Joao Moreira; HK$11,400,000. Lifetime Record: MGSW & G1SP-Jpn, 17-6-4-1, HK$50,300,700. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Pyledriver (GB), 126, c, 4, Harbour Watch (Ire)–La Pyle (Fr), by Le Havre (Ire). (10,000gns RNA Wlg '17 TATDEF). O-La Pyle Partnership; B-Knox & Wells Limited & R Devlin; T-William Muir & Chris Grassick; J-Martin Dwyer; HK$4,400,000.
3–Ebaiyra, 122, f, 4, Distorted Humor–Ebiyza (Ire), by Rock of Gibraltar (Ire). O-S A Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan Stud SC; T-Alain de Royer-Dupre; J-Christophe Soumillon; HK$2,000,000.
Margins: 1, 2HF, 3. Odds: 9-10, 7-2, 12-1.
Also Ran: Columbus County (NZ), Stay Foolish (Jpn), Mogul (Ire), Butterfield (Brz), Reliable Team (NZ). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

WATCH: Glory Vase wins a second Vase

The post Loves Only You Goes Out a Winner at Tragedy-Marred HKIR appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post