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Gordon Lord Byron fourth in Hong Kong

Gordon Lord Byron ran in <br> the Hong Kong MileGordon Lord Byron ran in
the Hong Kong Mile
© Photo Healy Racing

Gordon Lord Byron finished just out of the placings as Ambitious Dragon defied a late scare to land the Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.

The participation of Tony Millard's six year old had been in doubt after a veterinary inspection found the horse to be moderately lame in the right hind leg.

However, the current Hong Kong Horse Of The Year passed a second check and proved the decision to be the correct one with a barnstorming victory under Zac Purton.

Settled towards the rear of the field, it appeared as though his old rival Glorious Days had the race run when Doug Whyte kicked for home and took a couple of lengths out of the field.

Having been switched wide on the final bend in preparation of launching his challenge Ambitious Dragon picked up stylishly in the straight to collar his old foe.

Packing OK was back in third just ahead of Gordon Lord Byron in a highly-creditably fourth.

Tackling eight furlongs for the first time since 2011, Thomas Hogan's Prix de la Foret winner travelled strongly in fourth in the the early stages as Don Bosco ensured a decent pace.

Turning for home, William Buick pulled Gordon Lord Byron wide to challenge and he looked a possible winner over a furlong out only to toil in the last few yards.

William Haggas' Master Of The Hounds finished well down the field as did Francois Doumen's Siyouma.

Victory provided connections with redemption as their New Zealand bred son of Pins could only finish fourth when a short-priced favourite for the Hong Kong Cup 12 months ago.

Purton said: "I travelled like a winner the whole way, but I did last time (when second to Glorious Days), so I wasn't going to start counting my chickens until I got to the line."