Hong Kong, Dec. 9 (UPI) - This weekend witnessed an extraordinary display of prowess by the home teams on the global horse racing stage. Hong Kong runners achieved remarkable success, landing three out of the four Group 1 events on Sunday's program. Japanese fillies also put up a strong fight, repelling an invasion by a top U.S. filly. Local dominance in the Longines Hong Kong International Races has become a familiar tale, often told.

Hong Kong's Horse Racing Triumphs on the Global Stage

Hong Kong Cup: Romantic Warrior's Dominance

Romantic Warrior's pace-stalking victory in the 2,000-meter Hong Kong Cup was truly remarkable. Jockey James McDonald was left looking for competition in the final 50 meters as Romantic Warrior triumphed by 1 1/2 lengths. This was his seventh straight win, with six of them being Group 1 events including the Cox Plate in Australia and the Yasuda Kinen in Japan. His owner, Peter Lau Pak Fai, is now targeting the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup in February. Winning trainer Danny Shum praised Romantic Warrior, stating, "He's once in a lifetime. The owner wants to take a chance and take him to Saudi Arabia. Even though it's a dirt race, he's got to try."This victory showcases Romantic Warrior's exceptional ability and determination on the racetrack. His consistent performance has made him a force to be reckoned with in the horse racing world.

Hong Kong Sprint: Ka Ying Rising's Effort

Ka Ying Rising's victory in the Sprint was a bit more challenging compared to Romantic Warrior's in the Cup. Starting from the chancy No. 11 stall and under pressure through most of the 1,200 meters without cover, Ka Ying Rising overcame all obstacles to post his eighth straight win at the Group 1 level in 1:08.15, just short of the course record he set earlier at 1:07.43. Jockey Zac Purton emphasized the significance of the race, saying, "People underestimate the way races come around. He was using energy throughout the race. His performance is a credit to him."Hong Kong runners once again dominated the finish of the Sprint, with Helios Express taking second and Japan's Satono Reve being the only foreigner to crack the top-four placings. Starlust, the reigning Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint champ, finished 13th, highlighting the local dominance in this event.

Hong Kong Mile: Voyage Bubble's Victory

Voyage Bubble scored another relatively easy victory for the locals in the Hong Kong Mile. After shadowing the early leader, the 6-year-old gelding seized the lead at mid-stretch and held off Japan's Soul Rush by 1 1/4 lengths. Trainer Ricky Yiu expressed confidence in Voyage Bubble's chances after the prep race win, stating, "He's a better horse than last year. A lot more mature, very smart, a little bigger. The way the race went suited him a lot."This victory further solidifies Voyage Bubble's position among the top horses in Hong Kong and showcases the local talent in the mile race.

Hong Kong Vase: Giavellotto's Win

The Hong Kong Vase usually attracts international travelers, and this time, it was Giavellotto from trainer Marco Botti's yard in England who emerged victorious. Bursting loose from a tight knot of foreigners at mid-stretch, Giavellotto scored by 2 1/2 lengths over Dubai Honor, with Japan's Stellenbosch taking third. Winning rider Oisin Murphy described the moment, saying, "We got stopped, and sometimes you're worried the race will get away from you. Then, where he got some room, he was explosive."This win adds another feather to Giavellotto's cap and showcases the international appeal of the Hong Kong Vase.

Hanshin Juvenile Fillies: May Day Ready's Experience

May Day Ready came to Sunday's Group 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies with high expectations but faced a setback. A combination of factors, including the turf, a long season, and not being able to establish position or get cover, led to her finishing 13th. Jockey Mirai Iwata was surprised and happy to achieve his first Grade 1 win after six years of waiting. Regular rider Frankie Dettori attributed her performance to the turf and the long journey, stating, "She prefers really fast ground. It was a little bit loose, and the first time right-handed confused her a little bit. So, the combination of the three things was why she ran no race today. And also, it's the fifth run in four months, so she's tired."This experience will likely serve as a learning lesson for May Day Ready and her team as they look ahead to future races.