 |
|
| Staff Writer |
Voyage Bubble stamped his authority as Hong Kong's leading miler by repelling a strong international challenge to land the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin under a masterful James McDonald ride for trainer Ricky Yiu.
Going one better than last year when chasing home, the legendary Golden Sixty, the 5YO gelding followed up his recent success in the Gr.2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile with a commanding performance, crossing the line in 1m 33.34s.
 |
Japanese raider Soul Rush, fourth in this race last term, emerged as the strongest challenger but could only get within one and a quarter length of the winner, while Beauty Joy caught the eye staying on for third under Brenton Avdulla.
The US$4.6 million contest has a rich history, with former winners including Good Ba Ba achieving a remarkable hat-trick between 2007-2009, while Beauty Generation matched that feat a decade later. Golden Sixty added his name to the roll of honour twice in 2020 and 2022.
Despite an interrupted campaign including unplaced efforts in Dubai and Japan last season, Voyage Bubble showed his class when it mattered most, building on a promising second to Galaxy Patch in October.
McDonald, enjoying a stellar afternoon, said: "He's a great horse in his own right. He felt excellent going to the gates today – he was really on the job. Credit to Ricky and his team – they've prepped him up beautifully. He just gives his all. He has a very big heart and he's very uncomplicated."
Breaking smartly from stall five, Voyage Bubble settled perfectly behind Beauty Eternal before taking command at the crucial stage. His trademark fighting spirit came to the fore in the closing stages as he repelled all challengers.
Yiu, celebrating his fourth LONGINES Hong Kong International Races success following Fairy King Prawn (1999) and Sacred Kingdom (2007 & 2009) in the Sprint, noted: "Mentally he is a lot more mature. He's very smart and he's developed – he's gotten taller and a little bit bigger. He has enjoyed Conghua very much."
The international contingent filled the minor places with Soul Rush's jockey Moreira reflecting: "It was a fantastic run; I just think he was beaten by the gate (10)." While Avdulla said of Beauty Joy: "He ran terrific. He's not easy to ride, he gives them a start, but he closed off hard. He handled himself well."
The victory marked the first leg of a memorable Group One double for McDonald, who went on to partner Romantic Warrior to a record-breaking third success in the US$5.1 million LONGINES Hong Kong Cup over 2000m.
Racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday where another competitive card awaits.