Redemption for Zac Purton as Exultant claims the QEII Cup with dominant display

Exultant bounced back to form with a commanding display to land the Group 1 QEII Cup under Zac Purton at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Six-year-old Exultant, who finished second in the Group 1 last year, was narrowly beaten on his previous start but made no mistake this time, staying on under an expertly judged ride from his champion jockey.

It was relief for Purton, who was narrowly denied in a photo-finish in the previous race aboard top miler Beauty Generation in the Champions Mile, with Southern Legend causing a major upset.

"I've come close to winning this race so many times, it's been very frustrating and after missing the bob in the previous race, to win this was a massive relief," said Purton, who is once again battling it out at the top of the jockeys' championship with old rival Joao Moreira.

"Exultant's a tough customer and I don't think he's at his best at the moment, I think he's doing it on heart. He showed once again just how tough he is and it was a great performance, he just ran them into the ground and that's what he's best at."

His victory meant Purton is the only jockey to have won every Group 1 race in Hong Kong, and he added: "It's not an easy thing to do and it's an achievement I'm very proud of. I'm still going to go home a little bit flat but I'm thankful this trophy can go on the mantelpiece."

Sha Tin results

It was a third victory in the 1m2f race for trainer Tony Cruz, a former jockey who won the French Oaks, Irish St Leger and British and Irish Champion Stakes in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Exultant justified favouritism to finish clear of Hong Kong Derby winner Furore, also trained by Cruz, with Eagle Way claiming third.

Read more:

Tony Cruz: Hong Kong's hometown hero continues to shine at the age of 63

Southern Legend causes Champions Mile upset to down top miler Beauty Generation

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