'She's a credit and kept battling' - no fairytale ending for Highfield Princess as Lucky Sweynesse lands Hong Kong Sprint

There was no fairytale ending for Highfield Princess in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint, with the four-time Group 1 winner unable to live with local hot-pot Lucky Sweynesse, who showed exactly why he is the top-rated sprinter on the planet. 

Highfield Princess did well to negate a wide draw to sit in an ideal spot on the heels of the leaders, but speed is king in Hong Kong and the local sprinters came charging past in the closing stages. She stayed on bravely, however, to finish sixth, four lengths off the winner, Lucky Sweynesse, to earn £55,378. 

"She laid up well and took the bend well but I just think she's better nowadays over five furlongs in a straight line," said Highfield Princess's rider Jason Hart. "She's a little bit older and I think six stretches her.     

"They went harder there than they did in the Breeders' Cup last year, but to be fair, the last 150 yards, when I thought she was going to be completely swallowed up, she kept finding enough to finish in the money. She's a credit and kept battling."

It remains to be seen if this was her last appearance but, whatever the outcome, she will always be the horse of a lifetime for Hart, trainer John Quinn and owner-breeder John Fairley. 

"Either way she's been great for my career," said Hart. "It's all about finding the next one if she is retired, but I don't know what's going to happen. John Fairley is enjoying his racing; she's taken him all around the world and she's still got her enthusiasm for it." 

Lucky Sweynesse wins from Lucky With You (near) and WellingtonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Lucky Sweynesse suffered all sorts of traffic issues when beaten in the same race last year but was ridden with maximum confidence by Zac Purton and came home far too strong for his rivals this time. 

"He was very good and has been the best sprinter for the last year," said Hong Kong's champion jockey. "He pulled himself up in the last 50 metres as well, so he looked after himself. 

"He deserved that and has been working his way back to his best. I could just tell in the mornings he was blossoming at the right time. It got a little bit tricky as we straightened for home, but he got out and showed everyone what he can do. I still don't think he's as good as he was at his best last year but he's getting there."

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