The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races, the "Turf World Championships", is the biggest day of racing in Asia, with four Group 1 events contested at Sha Tin racecourse. The highlight of the afternoon is the $20 million HK ($2.6 million U.S.) Hong Kong Cup (G1), contested at 2000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles), about 1 full lap of the turf course rated as good. Only seven made final entry in the main event, with local hope and Queen Elizabeth II Cup and Cup Trial winner Viva Pataca sent off as the 3-10 favorite over Godolphin Racing's Ramonti at 4-1, who they purchased after his third place finish in last year's Cup. This year he won the Queen Anne, Sussex, and Queen Elizabeth II stakes, all Group 1 events in England. Another local hope, 2005 Cup winner and last year's 3rd place finisher Vengeance of Rain, was the 8-1 third choice on the board.
Royal Prince was quickest out of the gate and despite taking the clubhouse turn very wide, got back to the rail at the start of the backstretch to set the slow pace of 27.60, 52.40, and 1:16.50, while being stalked by Shadow Gate. Ramonti sat just off those two in third. Entering the lane, the field bunched up as Shadow Gate poked his head in front at the 1/4 pole, getting the mile in 1:40.10. Viva Pataca looked like he had an opening but Ramonti, who came out wide into the lane, cut in front of him taking away that lane. Ramonti came in all the way to the rail as Viva Pataca got back into his best stride and closed the gap. However, Ramonti easily held him off in the final 1/16 to win by 1/2 a length in a time of 2:02.80. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to longshot Musical Way in third. A stewards' inquiry and a jockey's objection ensued due to interference but after review the result was allowed to stand.
