Last Sunday the emerging French filly Daryakana claimed a brilliant last-to-first victory in the prestigious HK$14million Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin Racecouse, in the three-year-olds? Group 1 debut.
In a thrillingly close finish to the 2400m international staying event, Daryakana made a late, wide run to push past and defeat the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Spanish Moon by a mere half-head with another French contender, Kasbah Bliss, a further nose back in third. Jaguar Mail, last year?s third placegetter could only manage fourth this year.
Trained by Alain du Royer-Dupre, Daryakana is now unbeaten in her five career starts, including her previous win in the Group 2 Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp. The victory was the third successive win by a French-trained runner.
2009 Hong Kong Vase Results:
Placing |
Horse |
Jockey |
| 1 | DARYAKANA |
G Mosse |
| 2 | SPANISH MOON |
R Moore |
| 3 | KASBAH BLISS |
T Thulliez |
| 4 | JAGUAR MAIL |
C Soumillon |
| 5 | CIRRUS DES AIGLES |
F Blondel |
| 6 | VIVA PATACA |
D Bean |
| 7 | THUMBS UP |
B Prebble |
| 8 | JAMESINA |
J Lloyd |
| 9 | BUCCELLATI |
W Buick |
| 10 | YOUMZAIN |
K Fallon |
| 11 | PACKING WINNER |
B Doyle |
| 12 | JACKPOT DELIGHT |
J Winks |
| 13 | BLACK MAMBA |
O Deleuze |
