Viva Pataca finally achieved his rightful place alongside the greats of Hong Kong racing when he was named Horse of the Year for 2008-09 at the annual Champions Awards.
The pain of his surprise defeat at the hands of Vengeance Of Rain two years ago was but a fading memory as owner Stanley Ho Hung-sun, accompanied by his fourth wife Angela Leung, accepted the trophy.
Breaking with a long-standing personal tradition and giving his acceptance speech in English rather than Cantonese, Ho told of his pride at finally owning Hong Kong's Horse of the Year.
'I am very delighted my horse, Viva Pataca, has been voted Horse of the Year after waiting for four years,' he said, reminding racegoers the gelding's first Group One was the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby in March 2006.
'Although he is now a seven-year-old, he still has great racing strength and energy that has enabled him to win races right through the season.
'I'd like to thank my many supporters, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, my trainer John Moore and all his staff.'