Zac Purton’s Inspired Ride Helps Beauty Eternal Beat Golden Sixty in Champion Mile

James McDonald’s mount had a challenging start, being caught wide early in the HK$28 million race. Despite this, the horse managed to find pressure in the straight and beat Prognosis. William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour finished seventh and McDonald expressed astonishment at his horse’s performance, revealing that he was beaten at the three-furlong pole but still pulled out an incredible run. Golden Sixty, seeking a fourth straight victory, came fourth, only the second time he has finished out of the top three in his 31-race career.

Beauty Eternal, ridden by Zac Purton, won the HK$22 million event, leading from stall 11 and never looking in serious danger. Trainer John Size’s Red Lion secured second place. Archie Watson-trained Brave Emperor and George Boughey-trained Believing failed to make an impact in the race, finishing in ninth place. David Hall, known for training Makybe Diva to her first Melbourne Cup triumph in 2003, achieved a second victory in the race as a jockey and trainer, with Bowman successful on Lucky Bubbles in 2017 and Hall himself having saddled 2007 winner Absolute Champion.