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Australian flag flies high over Sha Tin

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Michael Cox

Hong Kong Reunification Raceday, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the handover, quickly turned into Australia Day at Sha Tin as jockeys from Down Under dominated by snaring eight wins on the 11-race card.

Derek Cruz was a major beneficiary of Aussie riders' skills as Tye Angland and Zac Purton each produced legs of a double for the trainer.

Purton was at his best in the last, and stole the Jockey Challenge from compatriot Angland, with a swooping win on the Cruz-trained Wrath Of Fire.

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Wrath Of Fire has now won four races this season, all with trademark bursts from midfield or worse.

'That was a great ride,' Cruz said of Purton's patient effort. 'He didn't rush it and left it right to the end, which is how this horse always needs to be ridden, he has a nice finish.'

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Purton said carrying 132 pounds had taken some gloss off Wrath Of Fire's narrow victory.

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