In a thrilling showdown, El Vencedor didn’t quite shine as brightly as expected, falling short against the magnificent Japanese horse, Tastiera, who triumphed in this mega-money race. Wielding a potent performance, Tastiera led an impressive Japanese one-two finish, as Prognosis secured second place with the help of Kiwi jockey James McDonald.

El Vencedor faced some challenges leading up to the race, including the unfortunate setback of a hoof abscess. However, the reality is that many of his competitors were simply at a higher level on this grand international stage.

Despite this setback, the journey to Hong Kong was a calculated risk worth taking, serving as a bonus race following a stellar season back home. It's unlikely that this hiccup will affect El Vencedor's chances of clinching the New Zealand Horse of the Year title later this year.

Amidst the struggles for New Zealand horses chasing wealth overseas, there was a silver lining for the local breeding scene. Ka Ying Rising, a local superstar bred and trained in New Zealand, dominated the Chairman’s Sprint, solidifying his status as potentially the best sprinter in the world.

With a relaxed racing style, he lingered in fifth position until the last 300 meters, where he unleashed his full potential, leaving competitors behind with ease. His sensational performance has already caught the attention of bettors, making him a $2.10 favorite for The Everest, a race still months away!

In stark contrast, the day had its surprises with the other Group 1 winner, Red Lion, who shocked everyone by paying out an astonishing $90 for his victory in the Champions Mile. Jockey Hugh Bowman faced a tense moment as McDonald lodged a protest, claiming his horse, Voyage Bubble, was impeded by Red Lion, costing him the race. However, the stewards dismissed the protest, giving Bowman some playful banter ammunition for his next golf game with McDonald, who is one of his closest friends.