Japan’s Neorealism wins Hong Kong’s QE II Cup

Hong Kong: Japanese raider Neorealism held off a late challenge from the fast-finishing Pakistan Star to win Sunday’s Audemars Piguet QE II Cup at Hong Kong’s Shatin racecourse.

Neorealism, perfectly ridden by Brazilian-born jockey Joao Moreira, prevailed in a thrilling finish to win the HK$20 million (US$2.6 million) event over 2,000 metres.

Nicknamed the Magic Man because of his extraordinary success in the saddle, Moreira produced another masterful ride, catching his opponents napping with a bold mid-race move.

With the early pace unusually slow as none of the eight runners wanted to set a fast tempo up front, Moreira instinctively swept around the field and charged to the front with 1,000 metres to go.