There was a sense of history in the air as the latest chapter of Hong Kong sprinting unfolded, the performance drawing inevitable comparisons with the great Silent Witness. For those closest to the horse, the feeling was both surreal and deeply satisfying.

“After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark.

“It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will.

“He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.”

Behind the winner, the body language of the beaten riders told its own story. Helios Express once again ran to his reputation for honesty, but even that was not enough to bridge the gap.

His jockey Hugh Bowman summed up the shared frustration succinctly: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.”

The race itself carried added significance as the opening leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, a three-race sprint challenge that also features the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200 metres, scheduled for 26 April.

With a HK$5 million bonus awaiting any horse capable of sweeping all three legs, the stakes are now firmly raised. If the early signs are anything to go by, this campaign has the potential to redefine modern sprinting standards in Hong Kong.