Junko wins the Hong Kong Vase 2023
After training the runner up in 2022, Andre Fabre has claimed the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin with Junko delivering a last to first victory.
Andre Fabre has a strong record in the Hong Kong Vase having trained the 2014 Hong Kong International Vase (2400m) winner Flintshire followed by multiple runner-up finishes including Botanik’s second to Win Marilyn at the 2022 HKIR meeting.
Junko was impressive under the guidance of jockey Maxime Guyon at Sha Tin on Sunday, settling last before producing a long, sustained run, hitting the front inside the furlong before a one length win ensued over Japan runner Zeffiro with Australian jockey Damian Lane aboard.
“I was confident, just worried with not too many runners and I was fearing a French type rate with no pace,” winning trainer Andre Fabre said.
“I got a bit worried because I thought he was a bit far behind, but they quickened early so he could pick up and finish well. He (Maxime) didn’t panic.”
Winning jockey Maxime Guyon is also no stranger to success in Hong Kong having won both the Hong Kong Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby with Ambitious Dragon.
It was Guyon’s second success in the Hong Kong International Vase who was aboard Flintshire in the 2014 renewal.
“It’s a really important place,” Guyon said.
“All the jockeys want come to Hong Kong for the finish of the year. It’s a really good week.
“Hong Kong is special, so I’m really happy to come back nine years after Flintshire to win the Hong Kong Vase again.”
Race favourite Lebensstill was disappointing, settling midfield before failing to beat a runner home while second market elect Warm Heart was prominent throughout to finish third.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...