CHINA: HORSE RACING - Collier Hill wins the Hong Hong Vase in a thrilling finish following the withdrawal of Ouija Board

Thousands of people turned up for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races Day on Sunday (December 10). With HK$62 million (US$8 million) in prize money on offer for the four Group One races, the event is one of the richest race meetings in the world. However, there was disappointment for the racing fans when English 5-year-old filly Ouija Board was withdrawn 24 hours before her race, the Hong Kong Vase, after displaying a minor leg injury at her morning trackwork. The two-time Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf Group 1 winner will now retire to stud after three years of a global campaign that has included two Cartier Awards as European Horse of the Year and the 2004 Eclipse Award as champion turf female. Lord Derby, owner of Ouija Board, said: "She's been such a fantastic horse, we really had no choice but we could not afford to take the risk. It's very sad, very emotional, we always knew her career would end today and it's just ended 24 hours earlier. We just have to look back on all the happy moments." Frankie Dettori, Ouija Board's jockey, said of her retirement: "Well it's not my decision, but she's done her bit. I'm sure that the right decision was made. And I'm looking forward to seeing her offsprings really." Collier Hill helped alleviate English fans' disappointment at Ouija Board's absence by winning the Hong Kong Vase in a thrilling finish. Ridden by British jockey Dean McKeown, the eight-year-old held on to win the 2400-metre race by a short head from Irish trained Kastoria with Shamdala back in third. Russell Hall, the co-owner of Collier Hill, said: "A lot of people seem to think that he's of a bygone age, but my firm opinion is that Collier Hill will mature at 9 years old. I've said it all from the start, I've always said that he will improve as he goes along."

ITN Source | December 11, 2006

Tags:. .fans. .event. .sunday. .such. .moments