Maurice magnificent in Hong Kong Cup

Japanese superstar Maurice rolled to a dramatic victory in the $HK25 million (~$A4.2 million)Longines Hong Kong Cup G1, capping a day that saw Japan and Hong Kong sweep the honours on the Sha Tin turf.

Watch Maurice win the Hong Kong Cup G1.

Maurice, a 5YO son of Screen Hero, got off to an awkward start in the Cup under jockey Ryan Moore and was third-last as the field entered the first turn. A Shin Hikari, who won last year’s Cup from the front, was out and sprinting for jockey Yutaka Take.
 
As the field hit the sweeping final turn, A Shin Hikari was seven lengths in front of the field, while Maurice was 20 lengths behind. But as the long stretch loomed, A Shin Hikari shortened stride as Maurice powered up to his magnificent best.
 
Moore came along the inside, right behind the tiring leader, swung to his outside and quickly finalised the result, winning by three lengths in 2:00.95, with Secret Weapon second and Staphanos third.
 
“That was fun,” said Moore, “When we found room to run, he just let down.”

The race was the last in Maurice’s spectacular 11-win, $12 million career for his owner Mrs Kazumi Yoshida and, as only the second horse from Japan to win three offshore Group One races, he retires as one of his country’s greatest-ever racehorses.

Latest news

Snitzel filly waltzes to Listed victory Snitzel filly waltzes to Listed victory

Pope Racing's 3YO filly Bridal Waltz is the Champion Sire's 161st stakeswinner and the 11th stakeswinner from his 2021 crop...

READ MORE

Autumn Boy dominant in Listed win Autumn Boy dominant in Listed win

2YO colt Autumn Boy became The Autumn Sun's 9th stakeswinner with a sparkling victory for Chris Waller & owner Glenn Ritchie in the Tattersall's S. LR...

READ MORE

Vandeek’s half-brother wins G2 Royal Ascot Coventry Stakes Vandeek’s half-brother wins G2 Royal Ascot Coventry Stakes

The most prestigious of the six 2YO races at Royal Ascot 2025 has produced a most impressive victory by Gstaad, half-brother of Arrowfield's new sire Vandeek...

READ MORE