'It was expected' - Andre Fabre delighted as Junko gives him third Hong Kong Vase victory

The last thing Andre Fabre wanted was a "French-type race" for Junko in the Longines Hong Kong Vase. In the end that was exactly what he got, but it made no difference as France’s master trainer landed a third success at Sha Tin’s international meeting.

Fabre's previous victories had also come in the Vase – Borgia in 1999 and Flintshire in 2014 – and Junko found an exceptional turn of foot off a slow pace to win comfortably under Maxime Guyon.

The market made the Vase a straight shootout between the Aidan O'Brien-trained Warm Heart and Japan's Lebensstil, but despite having the run of things close to the lead, Warm Heart faded in the closing stages, while Lebensstil pulled too hard in the early stages to give himself any chance at the end. 

In contrast, Junko was relaxed in the hands of Guyon, moved up menacingly from off the pace, then dashed clear.  

"I was confident before the race. I was just worried there were so few runners and I was fearing a French-type race with no pace," said Fabre. "I thought he was a bit far behind early but they quickened early enough, Maxime didn't panic and was able to pick up well."

Andre Fabre: "delighted" with his third Hong Kong Vase victoryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Fabre, who turned 78 on Saturday, is already eyeing a tilt at the Sheema Classic in March, followed by a European campaign that could take in the major mile-and-a-half races.

"It was a nice way to celebrate [his birthday]," he added. "I was delighted but it was expected because he's improving race after race. We might go to Dubai and then France and England for Group 1 races." 

Warm Heart led three furlongs from home but proved a sitting duck for the winner, fading into third in what was her last racecourse appearance. 

"She ran very well but this is the end of a long, hard season for her and she's a three-year-old filly," said O'Brien. "I think she'll probably be off to [the stallion] Justify now. She's had a great season and has been so tough."

Despite much conjecture, O'Brien confirmed Moore did meet the 8st 5lb weight for Warm Heart, the rider's lowest riding weight in the last 12 months.

Read more:

Romantic Warrior denies Luxembourg to land second Hong Kong Cup 

'He's a monster' - unstoppable Golden Sixty claims Hong Kong Mile 

Redemption for local star Lucky Sweynesse with victory in Hong Kong Sprint

'They run racing as well as anyone could'- Ryan Moore full of praise for Hong Kong after landing world's best jockey award 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.