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| Staff Writer |
Giavellotto produced a devastating late surge under a masterful Oisin Murphy ride to land the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin, providing Marco Botti with his first success at the prestigious meeting. The victory marked the end of a 12-year drought for British-trained runners in Hong Kong, with the last success coming through Ed Dunlop's globetrotter Red Cadeaux in 2012.
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The 5YO son of Mastercraftsman, primarily known for his staying prowess over extended trips, demonstrated remarkable versatility dropping back to 2400m. Settling comfortably in the third wave along the rail, Murphy's mount encountered traffic problems turning for home just as Japanese favourite Stellenbosch launched a threatening challenge under Joao Moreira.
Murphy, showcasing nerves of steel, bided his time before finding a gap on the inner rail. Once in the clear, Giavellotto quickened impressively to storm clear by two and a half lengths from fellow Newmarket resident Dubai Honour, with Stellenbosch keeping on for third.
The Hong Kong Vase has a rich history of international success, with previous winners including Highland Reel, who went on to capture multiple Group One races globally, and Japanese superstar Stay Gold, who famously defeated Fantastic Light in 2001.
British success in this race has been sporadic but significant, with Red Cadeaux's 2012 triumph standing out before today's result. The Ed Dunlop-trained warrior went on to place in multiple Melbourne Cups, establishing himself as one of racing's most beloved international campaigners.
Murphy, reflecting on his fourth Group One success of the year, said: "It's very special. I was dreaming about winning this morning and then I stopped myself because you don't want to pre-empt and get into that frame of mind. You have to approach the race with instinct and fortunately it worked out."
Botti, who has often seen his best horses sold abroad, was quick to praise owner Francesca Francini's loyalty: "The owner was very brave to resist some very good offers and most of the time they get sold and we lose the horses. Then to find the next one is not easy."
The trainer added: "Credit to Oisin because first thing after the Gr.1 Irish St Leger, he mentioned this race and he was adamant that we should come here. We followed Oisin's advice and it worked out well."
Dubai Honour's assistant trainer Maureen Haggas found positives in defeat: "He was just a little bit keen early and Tom wanted to get him to settle. He was well back and travelling really well turning in and you thought if he got the gaps, he was going to run a really very good race, which he did."
The international campaign continues for Giavellotto, who has already proven his mettle in Saudi Arabia and Dubai earlier this season. His adaptability to different tracks and conditions marks him out as a serious contender for more global prizes in the coming months.