It was nothing but a plastic toy aircraft, but from the way people reacted to it, it could have been worth millions. Eighteen million, to be exact.
The model jumbo jet in question was one of 14, each bearing a barrier number, distributed to entrants in Sunday's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup as part of the barrier draw ceremony yesterday morning.
For some, discovering they had drawn an outside gate, the little plastic plaything elicited muffled curses and sagging shoulders. For others, like the owners of Australian entry Fields of Omagh, an inside gate prompted cheers and whistles.
Michael Bolton, manager of the No Big Deal Syndicate which owns Fields of Omagh, said the team was overjoyed with the result.
'We're really rapt and looking forward to Sunday,' Mr Bolton said. 'We knew how important this barrier draw was going to be ... and [drawing barrier three] gives him every chance to get a position, get settled and get placed for the finish.'
He had little sympathy for those upset by their draw in the $18 million race. 'That's the draw, you've got to take what happens.'
Starting gates for the fields of Sunday's three other races - the 2,400m Hong Kong Vase, 1000m Sprint and the Hong Kong Mile - were also drawn yesterday morning.