Leading over 2400m is always tricky and when Purton took Romantic Warrior to the front it was a bit of a surprise.  Normally Money Chaser is the natural leader in these races but Purton didn't have much choice other than to lead.  Money Catcher tried to snatch the lead back at around the 800m mark but Romantic Warrior fought him off.

Meantime High Bowman was sitting comfortably on Russian Emperor around 5th and as there wasn't much pace in the race they maintained that steady rhythm until Bowman moved him forward as they came into the turn, and in the straight gave him some rein and that was enough for him to overhaul Romantic Warrior and get his second Cup much to the delight of trainer Douglas Whyte.  Five G Patch was third home.

Earlier Stoltz had given Purton the second in his 4-timer by winning the River Verdon, with Carroll Street second and Run Run Cool third.

And then the "get-out" Race 9 the Vengeance of Rain Handicap got Purton his 4th winner when Red Lion saluted.  We still think that sounds more of a pub name than a horse!  Erimo was second so our tip of the Size quinella sent us home happy.  Galaxy Witness was third.

News through from HK that Silvestre de Sousa is not going ahead with his appeal and that the HKJC has generously refunded the deposit he had to make for the appeal to be heard.