Magic Wand, working at Sha Tin earlier in the week,was just denied in the Hong Kong Cup© Photo Healy Racing
A memorable day for Japan (Japanese-trained horses won three of the four Group One International races) was completed by Win Bright in the Longines Hong Kong Cup.
But it was so nearly a win for Ireland, with Ryan Moore conjuring a tremendous finish from Magic Wand, only to find the post coming a stride too soon for Aidan O’Brien’s globetrotting filly.
Having her 12th start of the year — in which time she has travelled to America, Dubai and Australia — Magic Wand had an ideal position through the early exchanges, with the eventual winner immediately behind her.
Both the main protagonists were a touch outpaced at one stage in the straight, but Win Bright soon picked up, as did Magic Wand.
The former had just got first run, though, and held on as Magic Wand surged up his inside.
Winning trainer Yoshihiro Hatakeyama said: “When he arrived here he wasn’t doing that well, but he thrived as the week went on and showed how much he prefers a right-handed course.
“It’s been a great day for Japan and if he is invited he’ll be back for another shot at the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April.”
Moore said of Magic Wand: “She ran super, she was unlucky. She’s very game.”
