Thrilling Finishes and Emerging Stars Captivate Global Horse Racing Fans

The world of horse racing was abuzz with excitement this past weekend, as several high-profile events unfolded across the globe. From a nail-biting finish in Australia's richest turf race to surprising results on British Champions Day, the sport's enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling array of performances and potential new stars.

Captivating Clashes and Unexpected Triumphs Across Continents

Australia: Bella Nipotina Prevails in Everest Thriller

The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick in Australia lived up to its reputation as the "world's richest race on turf," delivering a tight finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Bella Nipotina, a 7-year-old mare by Pride of Dubai, overcame the outside gate assignment to edge out the 2022 winner, Giga Kick, by a short head and claim the AUS$20 million purse. Winning trainer Ciaron Maher expressed his delight, stating, "We thought she was in career form. She got conditions to suit." The race also saw a late scratch of the Godolphin-owned hope, Traffic Warden, after the horse acted up in the gate.In another notable Australian event, the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (formerly the George Main) saw Ceolwulf, a Tavistock gelding, cross the line first by three-quarters of a length over the favorite and reigning Australian Horse of the Year, Pride of Jenni. This was Ceolwulf's second consecutive win, following his triumph in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap on October 5.Maher's successful day continued as another runner from his yard, the relative outsider Duke De Sessa, captured the prestigious Group 1 Caulfield Cup. The 5-year-old, Irish-bred by Lope de Vega, finished ninth in the same race last year but this time emerged victorious by 1 1/4 lengths over the favorite, Buckaroo, with Land Legend finishing third.

England: Surprises and Satisfaction at British Champions Day

The flat racing season in England was effectively wrapped up with the highly anticipated British Champions Day at Ascot, which delivered a mix of surprises and satisfying results.The biggest surprise came in the final Group 1 race, the British Champion Stakes, where the 40-1 shot Anmaat rebounded from a scrum just inside the 2-furlong marker, split rivals, and stole the show by a half-length from the French runner Calandagan. The favorite, Economics, had every chance but faded to finish sixth.In the Group 1 Fillies & Mares Stakes, the Juddmonte Farms homebred 3-year-old Kalpana, by Study of Man, took full command in the final two furlongs and won by 2 lengths over the pacesetting Wingspan. Trainer Andrew Balding praised the filly's remarkable progression.The Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes saw Charyn, a 4-year-old Dark Angel colt from Roger Varian's yard, take the lead with about 2 furlongs left, fight off a brave challenge from Facteur Cheval, and draw clear again to win by 2 lengths.The Group 1 Sprint was won by the long shot Kind of Blue, ridden by James Doyle for trainer James Fanshaw and the Wathnan Racing operation. The favorite, Kinross, finished seventh in the tightly bundled race.In the Group 2 Long Distance Cup, the 6-year-old Kyprios continued his dominant season, crossing the finish line 2 1/4 lengths in front and cementing his status as the "King of the Stayers."

Japan: Urban Chic Emerges as New 3-Year-Old Leader

The Japanese Triple Crown saw a new leader emerge in the 3-year-old division, as Urban Chic, a Suave Richard colt, claimed victory in the Grade 1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger), the third leg of the series.With the first two races in the Triple Crown going to different winners, the leadership of the division was up for grabs, and Urban Chic, ridden by Japan's leading rider Christophe Lemaire, seized the opportunity. The colt ran comfortably behind the pace, relaxed, and had plenty of run as he turned into the stretch, ultimately winning by 2 1/2 lengths.The previous winners of the series, Danon Decile (Tokyo Yushun or Japanese Derby) and Justin Milano (Satsuki Sho or Japanese 2,000 Guineas), were not as prominent, with Danon Decile finishing sixth and Justin Milano sidelined with a tendon injury. Lemaire expressed his confidence in Urban Chic's future prospects following the impressive performance.

France: Goliath Cruises to Prix du Conseil de Paris Victory

In France, the German-bred gelding Goliath, returning from his July victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, delivered a professional performance in the Group 2 Prix du Conseil de Paris at Longchamp. The 4-year-old by Adlerflug tracked the pace through much of the 2,200-meter test, ran to the lead inside the 400-meter marker, and had to work a bit to hold off a bold bid from Hamish before winning by a half-length. This victory sets the stage for a potential try in the Japan Cup on November 24.

Hong Kong: Ka Ying Rising Continues Ascent

The Hong Kong racing scene witnessed the continued rise of the 4-year-old, New Zealand-bred gelding Ka Ying Rising, who made it seven wins in nine starts with a dominant 1 1/2-length victory in the Group 2 Premier Bowl Handicap at Sha Tin Racecourse. With jockey Zac Purton in the saddle, Ka Ying Rising let the favorite, California Spangle, show the way, then effortlessly pulled away midway down the stretch, holding off a challenge from Helios Express. This performance has set the stage for a potential run at the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint in December.