Japan's Stay Gold signs off in stunning style for Yasuo Ikee in Vase

Stay Gold signed off his long and distinguished career in breathtaking fashion with a last-gasp victory over the gallant Ekraar in the HK$14 million Hong Kong Vase. And Frankie Dettori will be pleased to see the back of the brilliant Japanese stayer, who snatched victory from the Italian's grasp in the final strides after looking dead and buried at the top of the straight.

"I'm glad he's retiring because he's beaten me twice now," said Dettori, who lost to Stay Gold in similarly dramatic circumstances aboard Fantastic Light in the Dubai Sheema Classic last March.

Trainer Yasuo Ikee was a happy and relieved man after Stay Gold left the racing stage on a career-high note with a head victory over Ekraar. "This was definitely his last race," Ikee said. "He is seven years old now and it is time for him to go to stud. This horse never managed to win a Group One race in Japan, but now he has two international Group Ones. I'm extremely happy."

Ikee said he had faith in jockey Yutaka Take, who overcame a series of obstacles - some of his own and the horse's making - to score a famous victory on a landmark day for Japan. "I was excited during the stretch run, but I wasn't worried," the trainer said.

"Yutaka Take knows this horse, he knows exactly when to make the winning move with him. This was very much a repeat of the Dubai race. The efforts were tremendous by both my horse and the one who finished second."