California Memory became the first horse to win back-to-back Longines Hong Kong Cups

Last updated: 9th December 2012  

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Kate Winslet and Matthew Chadwick Hong kong 2012

Matthew Chadwick is congratulated by Kate Winslet after winning the Hong Kong Cup

California Memory became the first horse to win back-to-back Longines Hong Kong Cups at Sha Tin.

Tony Cruz's grey was perfectly positioned in behind the pace in a slowly run contest with Neil Callan aboard outsider and eventual fourth Dan Excel setting the fractions.

German raider Feuerblitz raced keenly and briefly joined issue at the head of affairs but Matthew Chadwick was always poised to pounce aboard the favourite.

Victory never looked in doubt once the pair pulled out to challenge towards the centre of the track as last year's hero ran on strongly to claim a famous victory.

Giofra ran a huge race to stay on from an unpromising position to claim second with Australian raider Alcopop (winner of the Mackinnon Stakes) coming from even further back to finish third.

There was no such finishing kick from Carlton House who was having his last race for Sir Michael Stoute before heading to Australia to join Gai Waterhouse while the French-trained Saonois also failed to sparkle.

Chadwick, who spent time in Britain riding for Charlie Hills this summer, said: "I'm over the moon. He's a good little horse. It's all about him, he's been good to me and his connections."