HONG KONG - Designs on Rome edged a thrilling victory on Sunday in the $3.23 million 2,000-metre Hong Kong Cup -- the most prestigious event at the southern Chinese city's Longines International Races.
Designs On Rome, pictured in the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup in Hong Kong in April, accelerated at the final turn to win the $3.23 mn, 2,000m Hong Kong Cup
The Hong Kong-stabled horse, one of the pre-race favourites, accelerated at the final turn and went past a host of early leaders to sprint to victory and a winner's cheque of HK$14.25 million ($1.84 million).
Military Attack finished second by a margin of only 0.01 seconds, while Australia's Criterion finished third and Cirrus Des Aigles from France finished fourth.
It was a second win of the day for rider Joao Moreira who also took the Mile on Hong Kong horse Able Friend.
"It's like a dream come true," the Brazilian said of his two victories.
The HK$25 million Hong Kong Cup is the highlight of four Group One turf events at the annual meet, which was dominated by local horses this year with three wins.
A crowd of more than 70,000 turned out at the Sha Tin track in the New Territories for the event, which is one of the world's richest race meetings.
Able Friend beat Gold-Fun, ridden by Douglas Whyte, in the Mile while Bookies' favourite Flintshire of France, ridden by Maxime Guyon, triumphed in the 2,400-metre Vase, getting home before Willie Cazals and Khaya respectively.
In the 1,200-metre Sprint Zac Purton won convincingly on Aerovelocity.
"A really good tough effort to win," he said. "I didn't necessarily plan to lead but I've led on him previously and he began well so that's how it unfolded," Purton added.
Peniaphobia -- also from Hong Kong -- finished the Sprint second, followed by Japan's Straight Girl.