Board Swoops For Vase Glory

Ouija Board returned to her stunning best when delivering a knockout punch to her rivals in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.

Kieren Fallon timed his run to perfection on Ed Dunlop´s filly, whose impressive triumph has increased the prospects of her remaining in training as a five-year-old.

Having been last at one stage, the former champion got to work on the four-year-old as the 12-runner field turned into the home straight.

Ouija Board quickened up stylishly to weave her way through the pack and accelerated away to beat Six Sense by two and three-quarter lengths.

Dunlop praised the patience and faith of owner Lord Derby for allowing him to carry on with last year´s dual Oaks winner after the opening months of her campaign were blighted by injury problems.

He said: 'She threw a splint and then suffered a stress fracture at York. She missed half the season but this has made it all worthwhile.

'I have to thank my head lad and the vets who have treated her. Without their efforts this couldn´t have happened. And I also have to thank Teddy (Lord Derby) who said to carry on.'

Asked what the future holds for the winner, Dunlop added: 'We´ll see how she is and I shall consult Teddy. Nothing is decided but I´d be surprised if she was retired just yet.

'She has now become a Group One winner as a four-year-old and that was important to us.'

(C) PA Sport