Reel signs off with Hong Kong Vase victory

Highland Reel enjoyed a dream finale to his racing career as he won the Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.

The five-year-old was having his last start for Aidan O'Brien before heading to stud and Ryan Moore had his mount quickly away, settling in behind front-runner Helene Charisma.

He was still sitting in second nearing the turn for home in the 12-furlong heat, but Moore soon pushed on and Highland Reel pulled ahead at the top of the straight.

Andre Fabre's Talismanic, who had Highland Reel back in third in the Breeders' Cup Turf last time out, appeared to be travelling well in behind and he made his bid for home.

However, Highland Reel was not to be denied a seventh Group One victory and he dug deep to repel Talismanic's challenge and seal a perfect farewell.

Highland Reel won this race in 2015 before having to settle for second last year, and Moore paid tribute to his mount.

He said: "We've brought him back here the last three years, he's been around the world - this is a really fitting way for him to finish. He's been a brilliant racehorse and there's plenty to look forward to at stud now.

"We thought the longer straight here would help, he's a very, very good horse, his record shows that, and it's been a delight to be a part of (it)."

Moore added: "He's always been a very straightforward horse with a lot of heart as well as speed and I was always happy and confident on him today.

"When he gets into a fight, the longer it goes on, the more likely it is he will win it. That's what happened today and he was going away at the finish.

"He's high-class, has a great attitude and his durability has been seen wherever he's raced. I'm sure he will pass on those attributes in the future."

O'Brien also hailed the son of Galileo, who retires with a total of 10 wins in 27 starts and over 7.5million pounds in prize money.

Highland Reel joins Doctor Dino and Luso as a two-time winner of the @LONGINES Hong Kong Vase for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore #HKIR pic.twitter.com/imNO8rpECR

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 10, 2017

He said: "He's a very special horse and is irreplaceable. It's very rare that you get a horse that can travel the world like him, it's incredible really.

"He ran a great race in America and we were very happy coming here. All the lads were really happy with him through the week and Ryan has given him a brilliant ride."

Ralph Beckett's Chemical Charge fared best of the British challengers in finishing fourth, while the Richard Hannon-trained Danehill Kodiac and Sir Michael Stoute's Smart Call finished out of the frame along with Willie Mullins' Max Dynamite.

Stoute felt his charge had not enjoyed the best of passages and is eager to carry on next year with the former South African star.

He said: "Jim (Crowley) had to sit further back than ideal but she stayed on well at the finish.

"It was always going to be hard from that draw (11), but I think the owners are aware she hasn't had the rub of the green this year and are quite keen to keep going with her next season."

Crowley said: "She's run a good race, she had a bad draw and I probably had to sit a bit further back than I wanted to but she's run well."

Jockey Sean Levey said of Danehill Kodiac: "He's proven he's a Group Three horse at home but he was found wanting against Group One horses today."

Glyn Schofield rode Max Dynamite, and he told www.racing.com: "He ran really well, landed a lovely spot. The pace was probably a bit sedate but he ran well."