The Sportspedia
This week had a few Grade I horse races around the world, most notably the Hong Kong Internationa Races, also known as the “Turf World Championships”. Ryan Moore (ENG) won two and had two third places, all of which were Grade I. We review the winners:
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Cup (GI)
Normcore (JPN) was ridden by Zac Purton (AUS) after booked jockey Christophe Soumillon (BEL) had an adverse covid-19 test. Normcore beat favorite Magical (IRL), who just finished third. She had succesfully defended her Irish Champion Stakes (GI) title this year and was ridden by Ryan Moore (ENG)
Hong Kong Mile (GI)
Homegrown Golden Sixty (AUS) won his eleventh straight win and did it gracefully, with a couple of lengths. He was ridden by Vincent C Y Ho (HKG) and trained by Francis Lui. Golden Sixty has won 14 out of 15 races now.
Golden Sixty defeated visiting horses Admire Mars (JPN) -ridden by Ryan Moore (ENG)- and Order Of Australia (IRL), fresh from winning the Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI). Admire Mars was third, behind Southern Legend.
Beauty Generation (NZL) came fifth and will now enjoy a well-earned retirement for the best horse ever trained in Hong Kong, with eight GI wins and most money earned than any other horse in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Sprint (GI)
Ryan Moore (ENG) rode Danon Smash (JPN) for his second Group I win of the day with a last strike with 150 meters to go, ahead of Jolly Banner and Rattan (NZL). Moore now has seven Hong Kong International wins, more than any other foreign rider.
Hong Kong Vase (GI, KH$20 million)
This was Ryan Moore’s (ENG) first Grade I win of the day with great Irish-trained horse Mogul (ENG). This was Aidan O’Brien’s third Hong Kong Vase win and he is excited about Mogul’s prospects for 2021.
Japan
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies ($1.2 million, GI)
White horse Sodashi (JPN) took a popular win with a photofinish over Satono Reinas (JPN) to become the country’s leading 2-year-old filly. Sodashi was ridden by Hayato Yoshida (JPN) and was trained by Naosuke Sugai (JPN).
Republic of South Africa
Fillies Guineas
Captain’s Ransom (ZAF) Took command in the closing stages with Richard Fourie (ZAF) on the saddle, for Justin Snaith (ZAF), who won his sixth Cape Guineas. Fourie won his fourth.
