Collier Hill seals Vase victory

Collier Hill (left) holds off Kastoria for victory at Sha Tin

British raider Collier Hill led home a clean sweep for European runners in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase.

Alan Swinbank's charge, ridden by Dean McKeown, came out on top in a thrilling battle with Irish challenger Kastoria, prevailing by a short head at Sha Tin.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's French filly Shamdala back in third.

Turning for home, Collier Hill switched wide and accelerated past Admire Main before holding off the threat of Kastoria, ridden by Michael Kinane.

606 DEBATE: Your reaction to Collier Hill's victory

"They went off very quick and coming round the bend he picked up on me and surged forward," said McKeown.

"When Kastoria came to challenge, he stuck his head out at the right time."

Richard Crowe, part-owner of Collier Hill, added: "I bought into him in October last year and it's been an unbelievable story ever since.

"I imagine if he comes out of it all right, he will be off to Dubai again for the Sheema Classic."

Dean McKeown (left) and Alan Swinbank celebrate victory

Fellow British raider Maraahel, representing Sir Michael Stoute, and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Scorpion finished out of the frame.

Benbaun, trained by Mark Wallace, finished third behind Absolute Champion in theCathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint.

Fellow British raider Desert Lord and last year's winner Natural Blitz set a strong early gallop with Benbaun struggling to match the pace while Absolute Champion travelled well in fourth.

As the early leaders faded in the straight, Absolute Champion produced a huge turn of foot under Brett Prebble to pull clear.

He is young and he is surely going to get better - he has improved every year so far Benbaun's trainer Mark Wallace

Silent Witness held on for second while Jamie Spencer had to be content with a staying-on third aboard Benbaun.

Spencer was delighted with Benbaun's performance, especially as the gelding has largely been racing over five furlongs this year.

"He had an absolute blinder," he said. "He is only just used to racing over six furlongs so should be better after that."

Wallace added: "He is young and he is surely going to get better - he has improved every year so far.

"He is only five now and for a sprinter he should be able to keep going until he is seven so I think he will be even better. He is some horse - unbelievable."