California Memory surged to a surprise victory in the prestigious Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin racecourse, the richest of the four races in the Hong Kong International Race Series.
Ridden by Matthew Chadwick, California Memory won the 2,000-metre race by a length with local horse Irian in second, German horse Zazou third while one of the pre-race favourites, Ambitious Dragon, could only manage fourth.
The race is worth a combined US$2.6 million with the winner taking over half the loot.
In the other big race of the day, France's Dunaden edged out Hong Kong horse Thumbs Up to win the 2,400-metre Hong Kong Vase.
Dunaden, which won last month's Melbourne Cup, came home as favourite ridden by Craig Williams to give France its sixth win in the past 11 years.
Reuters