The highlight of the Cathay Pacific International Races and the richest horse race in Hong Kong is the HK$20 million ($2.6 million U.S.) Hong Kong Cup (G1). A full field of 14 older runners went to post in this 2000 meter (1 1/4 mile) turf event, one complete lap of the Sha Tin course. Balius, winner of the Mission Hills (G3) and Cup Trial (G2) and runner-up in this race a year ago, was bet down to prohibitive odds of 3-10 over Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Eagle Mountain at 5-1. Yorkshire Oaks (G1) ad Matron (G1) winner Lush Lashes was the 13-1 third choice making her first start against males
Estejo, Viva Macau, and Out of Control contested the early pace through fractions of 26.56, 50.28, and 1:13.81, while Balius sat back in 11th saving ground around both turns. Out of Control took a brief lead at the top of the lane after a mile in 1:37.72, but the race set up for the closers. Eagle Mountain, who sat back in 8th under regular rider Kevin Shea, split horses with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and quickly opened up a clear lead on the field. Balius put in a run of his own but was no match for Balius who finished 1 1/4 lengths in front, completing the distance in 2:00.92. It was 2 lengths back to Linngari third, while Balius, who suffered traffic trouble and could not break free in the stretch until it was too late, finished a disappointing fourth, 3/4 length back of Linngari.
