Gordon Lord Byron finished a highly-creditably fourth in Hong Kong

Zac Purton celebrates after winning aboard Ambitious Dragon

Gordon Lord Byron finished a highly-creditably fourth behind Ambitious Dragon in the Longines Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.

Racing over eight furlongs for the first time since 2011, the Prix de la Foret winner travelled strongly in fourth in the the early stages at Don Bosco ensured a decent pace.

Turning for home, William Buick pulled Gordon Lord Byron wide to challenge and he looked a possible winner over a furlong out.

However, local star Ambitious Dragon swooped down the middle of the track, easily passing Gordon Lord Byron who began to toil in the last few yards.

Glorious Days claimed second with Packing OK just ahead of Gordon Lord Byron in third.

Buick said: "I was close to the pace most of the way and we had a lovely trip. Maybe the horse does not quite stay the mile but he ran very well. Couldn't have asked much more from him."

Winning jockey Zac Purton said: "I travelled like a winner the whole way, but I did last time (when second to Glorious Days), so I wasn't going to start counting my chickens until I got to the line."

Ambitious Dragon only got the go-ahead to run on raceday morning after being reported to be slightly lame on Saturday.William Haggas' Master Of The Hounds finished well down the field, as did Francois Doumen's Siyouma, who was forced to race wide early on.