Loves Only You Goes Out a Winner at Tragedy-Marred HKIR

[Wandering Eyes]

by Alan Carasso

Sent off the 8-5 favourite to conclude a stellar season and career on a high note in Sunday's G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse, Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) called on her considerable class and heart to outfinish compatriot Hishi Iguazu (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Ire}) in the HK$30-million event in dramatic fashion.

Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) gave Japan its first winner of the day when he overhauled European raider Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) in the final 100 yards to win the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase for the second time in three years. Three of jockey Joao Moreira's seven victories at the international meeting have come aboard Japanese shippers in the Vase.

Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) was pounded into 3-10 to successfully defend his title in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile, a race which on paper looked to represent his stiffest challenge to date. Given a thinking-man's ride by his regular mate Vincent Ho, the 6-year-old slowly worked his way into a handy spot, then weaved through stretch traffic en route to a 1 3/4-length tally. He moves to within one of the all-time consecutive win streak held by Silent Witness (Aus) and becomes the winningest horse in Hong Kong racing history. With now HK$95 million in the bank, he is all but certain to break the all-time earnings record of Beauty Generation (NZ).

Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) caused a 20-1 upset in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, but the race was marred by a horrific spill at the top of the stretch, when Amazing Star (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) broke down badly, casting jockey Lyle Hewitson heavily to the turf. Trailing Amazing Star in his wake was favoured Lucky Patch (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}), who fell over the stricken Amazing Star. Pixie Knight (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) dislodged Yuichi Fukunaga, but picked himself up and galloped through the lane. Naboo Attack (Aus) (Warhead {Aus}) suffered serious injuries and was sadly euthansed, as was Amazing Star. Purton, Fukunaga and Hewitson were all taken to hospital.

Full reports on all HKIR races will appear in this space later Sunday.

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