Mosse bags the grand slam and gives credit to HK's talent pool
Gerald Mosse completed the grand slam of Hong Kong international Group One wins with his victory aboard Beauty Flash - and in downing Olivier Peslier's mount, Royal Bench, also drew level with his fellow Frenchman as the most successful jockey in Hong Kong's international features.
Both Mosse and Peslier have now recorded seven international wins in Hong Kong and, while honoured to have completed the full set of Vase, Sprint, Cup and Mile victories, Mosse was quick to highlight the huge role the improving horse quality has played in achieving that feat.
'Once again a Hong Kong-trained horse in Beauty Flash has been able to show we can produce world-class milers,' Mosse said.
'I have been here a long time and have seen a massive effort from the Club and everyone involved to get the best horses racing in Hong Kong.
'I feel honoured to be part of the only local win today, but it is something we deserve after putting in so much effort to get the best horses here.'
Any disappointment Mosse had at finishing third on Vase favourite Americain was wiped away by the late withdrawal of Able One in the Mile. The Frenchman was grinning from ear to ear as the red flag was raised on Able One behind the stalls. The jockey was positively beaming two minutes, and a tactful ride, later.
Punters latched onto the pace angle too, and the Tony Cruz-trained runner was the major firmer in win and place betting as tickets flowed into scanners all over the course.
Melbourne Cup winner Americain was also hugely popular with punters before the Vase and finished a gallant third. Mosse said he gave his best off a slow early speed.
'Americain ran a brilliant race. You cannot blame him even 1 per cent for finishing third. There was just not enough speed for him,' Mosse said.
'They crawled along early and even though I went to improve my position mid race, Frankie [Dettori] was making his move at the 500-metre mark and I had to go then, too.
'I never like to go that early but it was the only way to give him his chance to go with the winner and he sprinted really well as usual.'
The last word
'It's good to be here and win for Hong Kong because Hong Kong does a lot for the races. I knew Beauty Flash had won a Group One going forward so we took a good start and, even though I couldn't actually lead, I was happy to be camped on the speed. The more I asked of him, the more he gave.'
Beauty Flash, jockey Gerald Mosse
'We were pushed wide on the home turn and yet the horse finished like a train. It shows how good he is and I think his connections will have good fun with him in the next few months. I hear he could be headed to Dubai.'
Olivier Peslier, jockey Royal Bench
'We hit the front a bit too soon and I knew then she'd find it hard to find the line. But she ran very well and I am pleased with her.'
Sahpresa, jockey of Christophe Lemaire
'I was boxed in turning for home but he had his chance.'
A Shin Forward, jockey Yasunari Iwata
'We have got everything wrong. First, we didn't start well so we didn't get a good position. Then he started to pull and hit a flat spot at the worst moment of the race getting into the last stretch. That makes his performance a great one and I think he has earned his ticket to the international milers division.'
Rajsaman, jockey Davy Bonilla
