One week in Joburg and the next in Hong Kong the globetrotting UK Champion took out the Hong Kong Vase in fine style with a surging run on Giavellotto for Marco Botti.

Murphy was in a world of trouble turning into the straight with a wall of horses on front of him but somehow found a gap and shot through to win.

“It was all very comfortable until he got to the turn, then I had to wait. And, of course, then you’re worried that the race is going to get away from you. But he showed an incredible kick to get going. He was always going to win from a furlong out, so I was really able to soak it up," said Murphy. 

Marco Botti Applauds Oisin Murphy as Giavellotto Dominates LONGINES Hong Kong Vase

Giavellotto delivered a breathtaking display at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 8, powering home to claim victory in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) under a masterful ride from Oisin Murphy. The win ended a 12-year drought for British-based trainers in the prestigious meeting, last achieved by Ed Dunlop’s Red Cadeaux in 2012.

Known for excelling in staying contests over 2800m to 3200m, the five-year-old son of Mastercraftsman adapted brilliantly to the shorter distance, a decision trainer Marco Botti credited to Murphy’s foresight.

“Oisin deserves all the credit,” said Botti. “Right after the G1 Irish St Leger, he was insistent that we should target this race. We trusted his judgment, and it paid off wonderfully.”

Botti noted that Giavellotto entered the race fresh, contesting only his sixth start of the season. “We knew if he handled the sharper track and drop to a mile and a half, we’d have a real chance,” he added.

Settling comfortably mid-pack along the rail, Giavellotto faced a moment of uncertainty as the field turned for home, with the gap in front closing just as Japanese favorite Stellenbosch launched a strong move on the outside under Joao Moreira. Remaining composed, Murphy switched back inside, finding clear running room and unleashing a devastating turn of foot. Giavellotto surged past the leaders to win by an emphatic two and a half lengths, with Dubai Honour finishing second and Stellenbosch holding on for third.

Reflecting on the race, Murphy said, “It was smooth until the turn when I had to wait for the gap to open. But once he got going, he showed an incredible burst of speed. From a furlong out, I knew he had it.”

The victory marked Murphy’s fourth Group 1 win of 2024, capping a strong season despite narrowly missing out on the UK jockeys’ championship. “This win is special,” Murphy said. “I didn’t want to overthink it this morning, but everything came together perfectly.”

For Botti, the triumph was particularly meaningful, as he has long faced challenges from larger stables and resisted significant offers to sell his best horses. Co-owner Francesca Francini’s decision to keep Giavellotto proved pivotal.

“The owner showed incredible faith by turning down big offers,” said Botti. “Most of the time, horses get sold, and finding another like him is not easy. This is a dream come true.”

Dubai Honour, ridden by Tom Marquand, ran a strong race to finish second, continuing his solid record at Sha Tin. Assistant trainer Maureen Haggas praised the effort: “He was keen early but settled well and ran a great race. The winner was exceptional, but we’re thrilled with his performance on ground that’s quicker than ideal.”

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch, a three-year-old filly by Epiphaneia, delivered a gutsy third-place finish after overcoming a wide draw. Joao Moreira commented, “She ran superbly despite not getting to the rail. She’s a proper horse, and I’m very proud of her effort.”

Giavellotto’s victory, coupled with the admirable performances of Dubai Honour and Stellenbosch, highlighted the global competitiveness of the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, adding another memorable chapter to the event’s storied history.