Designs On Rome joined an elite club on Sunday, adding the Longines Hong Kong Cup to his impressive resume to complete the Derby-Queen Elizabeth II-Hong Kong Cup treble.

He is only the second horse to do the treble, after Vengeance Of Rain in 2005, and now has the distinction of having won the richest race ever won in Hong Kong.

John Moore’s Designs On Rome (Joao Moreira) came from well back to edge out his former stablemate Military Attack (Zac Purton), with Australian raider Criterion fighting on gallantly in third.

Passing the 1,000m, Moreira started to ride Designs On Rome along and initially the favourite looked in all sorts of trouble, but responded well.

“He’s not like Able Friend to ride," Moreira said. "You have to keep at him all the way. He doesn’t have that push-button acceleration, but he’s obviously very classy.

"I can’t believe it. Last year I was out and missed the international races, and this year I’ve managed to win two of them."

Moore said Designs On Rome was likely to join Hong Kong Mile winner Able Friend in Dubai, but aimed at a different race.

"The Sheema Classic looks the race to go for with Designs On Rome," Moore said.

“The owner does plenty of business in Dubai and would love to have a runner at their big meeting."