French galloper Vision d’Etat claimed victory in the richest event at Hong Kong’s International Raceday at Sha Tin last Sunday, the Group 1 HK$20million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (2400m).

Displaying an impressive turn-of-foot, Vision d’Etat ridden by Oliver Peslier defeated local hero, the John Moore-trained favourite Collection, ridden by Darren Beadman, by three-quarters-of-a-length after securing the lead inside the 200m, with Luca Cumani’s Presvis three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

Last year’s winner, Eagle Mountain, failed to retain the title finishing a disappointing fifth behind fourth placegetter Ashalanda from France.

Vision d’Etat now boasts a record of nine wins from 13 starts including a quartet of Group 1 victories and was one of two French horses to claim victory at the meeting with the French filly Daryakana taking out the Hong Kong Vase.

2009 Hong Kong Cup Results:

Last Sunday the emerging French filly Daryakana claimed a brilliant last-to-first victory in the prestigious HK$14million Group 1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin Racecouse, in the three-year-olds’ Group 1 debut.

In a thrillingly close finish to the 2400m international staying event, Daryakana made a late, wide run to push past and defeat the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Spanish Moon by a mere half-head with another French contender, Kasbah Bliss, a further nose back in third. Jaguar Mail, last year’s third placegetter could only manage fourth this year.

Trained by Alain du Royer-Dupre, Daryakana is now unbeaten in her five career starts, including her previous win in the Group 2 Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp. The victory was the third successive win by a French-trained runner.

2009 Hong Kong Vase Results: