Local sprinting sensation Aethero ousted by Moreira on Beat The Clock

Zac Purton went on a liquid diet and had not eaten for days to ensure he was light enough to ride local sprinting sensation Aethero, but the odds-on favourite was gobbled up late by Joao Moreira on Beat The Clock.

This was supposed to be the crowning moment for Hong Kong’s brightest young prospect. Aethero is only three but had created such an impression in his short career that local punters backed him from odds-against into 1-2 before the off.

For most of the race he looked as fast as his reputation but, when it mattered most, he was found wanting and faded into third.

It was that man Moreira again. The Magic Man timed his challenge to perfection on Beat The Clock, who swooped inside the final 50 yards to deny Aethero in one of the most thrilling finishes of the afternoon. Indeed, the hot favourite had to settle for third as Hot King Prawn snatched second close home.

Beat The Clock wins the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha TinCredit: Edward Whitaker

Moreira said: “When the gates opened he was not where I wanted him to be, but I knew I was coming to win a furlong out. This was really memorable for me as some people were doubting how good he was, but he showed them today and in fact I think there may be some more to come.

"I'm so happy. What a pleasure to be on top of two very nice horses in Glory Vase and this one, particularly Beat The Clock, who I've had so much to do with. To be his rider is just unforgettable."

It was certainly an unforgettable day for Moreira, who not only won the Vase on Glory Vase and the Sprint on Beat The Clock, but also helped himself to three winners on the supporting card. The bigger the day, the better he gets.

There was no luck for the British-based riders as Ryan Moore was seventh on D B Pin, while the Frankie Dettori-ridden Danon Smash finished eighth.

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