3 minute read
Dubai Honour booked his Hong Kong ticket with a smooth reappearance success in the Listed Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Magnolia Stakes at Kempton.
The classy six-year-old, who was last seen finishing sixth of eight in the QIPCO Champions Stakes at Ascot in October, had plenty to spare on official ratings this afternoon and was sent off the well-backed 4/6 chance to make a successful reappearance.
A dual Group 1 winner in Australia this time last year, Dubai Honour showed his freshness throughout the early parts of the ten-furlong contest but readily overcame that when running out a commanding three-length winner in the hands of Ryan Moore.
A return to Hong Kong is now on the cards for Dubai Honour, with William Haggas confirming the son of Pride Of Dubai will bid to go two spots better than when third in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin twelve months ago.
"I was very pleased with him, and he looked a bit fresh having not run for a bit," said William Haggas.
"I thought he was always looking comfortable in a race that had the potential to be messy – and probably was – despite the nice gallop.
"I haven't spoken to Ryan yet, but I'm not sure he was where he wanted to be early on. Still, the horse picked up well and he did it nicely, as he should do at the weights. But I was very happy with him, and it was exactly what I hoped for.
"He's going to Hong Kong all being well – he's been invited, and we've accepted. Providing he's fit and well he will go over there on April 28 for the QEII Cup, the mile-and-a-quarter race he was third in last year.
"He's won over £ 3 million in prize-money now and he's a thoroughly nice horse who has been great fun, we think the world of him. He's a kind horse, too."
