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| Staff Writer |
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Although McDonald was overshadowed by Golden Sixty's impressive performance in the Mile, he showcased his skills on Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior in the prestigious Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.
Many people fancied last year's winner to secure consecutive victories in the 2000m feature. When McDonald began to pull ahead early in the straight, it seemed like the victory was a done deal.
However, Luxembourg ridden by Ryan Moore and Hishi Iguazu ridden by Joao Moreira made a remarkable comeback and reduced the deficit. Despite the intense competition, the 5YO trained by Danny Shum managed to hold on and win by a short-head, with the third-place finisher also close behind by the same margin.
A visibly delighted McDonald said: “He’s one of the toughest horses I’ve ever ridden.
“He’s so easy to ride as he’s got a heart as big as a lion, I’m so proud of this horse. This is his best win by a mile.”
In the earlier race of the day, Junko, trained by Andre Fabre, overcame a sluggish start and a slow pace to win the Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Vase. This victory marked Fabre's third Vase, with Borgia in 1999 and Flintshire, owned by Juddmonte, nine years ago.
Maxime Guyon gave an inspired performance to ride Junko to victory, following in the footsteps of the French predecessor and 2014 winner Flintshire.
Lucky Sweynesse, who had an unlucky run in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint last year, redeemed himself with a brilliant victory in this year's race. Although there were moments of concern for rider Zac Purton and his mount when the door closed on them in the straight, Purton was able to switch left with 150m to run, and his 5YO partner quickened smartly to build a winning lead for trainer Manfred Man.
Lucky Sweynesse was a strong favorite in the market and won by three-quarters of a length from Lucky With You and Andrea Atzeni, who finished second with a late surge. The defending champion Wellington, ridden by Alexis Badel, finished third.
Purton said, “He did what he had to do – I love him.”