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| Staff Writer |
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In anticipation of his encounter with Golden Sixty at the upcoming Hong Kong International Races, Beauty Eternal achieved the greatest victory of his promising career in the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile.
Beauty Eternal, carrying the same silks as the exceptional miler Beauty Generation for owner Patrick Kwok, showcased his racing abilities at a whole new level. With a weight of 123lb, he fended off a late challenge from Beauty Joy by a short-head to secure his first Group Two victory. Jockey Zac Purton guided him to this impressive win.
“It’s probably the first time he’s had to dig deep when something has come at him like that and find and he’ll take some confidence out of it,” Purton said.
In the race, the winning time was recorded as 1m 33.04s. Following a knee surgery, Voyage Bubble (123lb) made an impressive comeback, finishing third. However, California Spangle (128lb) lost momentum and could only manage to finish fourth. Healthy Happy (123lb) completed the five-runner field.
The talented Beauty Eternal, trained by 12-time champion trainer John Size, had a good start from barrier five. He maintained his position in fourth place down the back straight before gradually accelerating and taking the lead with 300m left to run. Finally, he managed to hold off Beauty Joy, who was making a strong attempt to catch up.
“They went a decent tempo and he came into the race nicely. He had no horse to run at and he was there to get shot down. To his credit, he was able to kick and win the race,” Size said. “He probably learned a bit more about racing today.”
Beauty Eternal has emerged victorious in eight out of twelve starts, solidifying an impressive track record. In the previous season, this exceptional horse experienced a remarkable ascent, claiming the prestigious title of Most Improved Horse (2022/23) in Hong Kong and earning a significant boost of 65 rating points.
“If you get to the front a fair bit too early and the horse starts to wander around or think, you’re in trouble. I think the horse that’s running down the leader has some sort of advantage. It’s not very often he’s been in that situation so I think he’ll learn something from it,” Size said.
With earnings of HK$18.15 million, the 5YO is all set to take on Hong Kong's current champion, Golden Sixty, for the first time in the HK$32 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. It is expected that he will significantly boost his earnings in this race.
“We’ll see how he pulls up after this race, and that will give me a guide on what to do between now and 10 December.
“He went to the race in good condition and should come out of it nicely. It’s always nice for the owners who contribute so much to get some nice results,” Size said.
Trainer Size had a successful day with four wins, including victories by Raging Blizzard, Helios Express, Ensued, and Beauty Eternal. Raging Blizzard's win was particularly notable as it marked Size's 1,500th Hong Kong win. Meanwhile, jockey Purton also had a great day with a treble and a Group Two double, riding Beauty Eternal to victory in the HK$32 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and Lucky Sweynesse to win the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m). Hong Kong racing will continue at Happy Valley on 22nd Novembr, Wednesday.