Although it is the second Group 1 race on the card, the $14 million HK (about $1.8 million U.S.) Hong Kong Vase (G1) was possibly the main event on the afternoon given the quality of the 13-horse field in this 2400 meter (about 1 1/2 mile) turf race. This is the biggest race day in Hong Kong, with a crowd of 51,524 on hand, and a total local handle of $1,002,660,365 HK (about $128.6 million US). Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner and European Horse of the Year Dylan Thomas was sent off as the 7-10 favorite over 6-1 second choice Red Rocks, winner of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf and third in this year's Turf. Man O'War Stakes winner Doctor Dino rounded out the top three on the board at 8-1, coming off a third in the Champion Stakes.
Viva Macau led the field first time past the stands with Hawkes Bay and Bussoni stalking him through an initial quarter in 25.90 seconds. Entering the backstretch, Viva Macau continued the lead through a half in 51.20, before allowing Macleya to take over the lead midway down the backstretch and into the far turn, through 3/4 in 1:16.60 and a mile in 1:40.80. At the top of the stretch a cavalry charge ensued, as the pacesetters were quickly left behind. Bussoni, who was always in contention, made his move early and took over the lead at the 3/16 pole, getting 1 1/4 miles in 2:04.80. However, Doctor Dino, who was well back early, came out wide at the top of the stretch and closed with a rush, taking over the lead inside the 1/8 pole and drawing off to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Quijano in a time of 2:28.20. It was another 1/4 length back to Bussoni in third. Dylan Thomas raced far back early and showed no rally late, finishing 7th beaten 4 3/4 lengths in the final race of his career before retirement to stud duty.
