Ryan Moore magic on monstrous Maurice in Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin

Ryan Moore produced yet another top-class ride as Maurice landed the Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The 10-furlong event featured both the Hori-trained Maurice and fellow Japanese runner A Shin Hikari, who won the race in 2015.

While Maurice was slowly away, A Shin Hikari blazed out of the stalls with jockey Yutaka Take allowing him to stride on and build up a clear-cut lead.

In contrast, Moore bided his time on Maurice, sitting towards the rear of the field as a number of his rivals started to try to reel in the leader.

However, A Shin Hikari began to toil with over a furlong to run, with Moore angling Maurice off the rail to get a perfect run through and the five-year-old found plenty when asked.

Maurice quickly passed A Shin Hikari and stretched away for an impressive verdict over Secret Weapon.

Moore said: "He really quickened. He's a very good racehorse and he's got better with every run.

"Once we got some daylight, he just quickened and put the race to bed."

Moore, who spent several minutes signing autographs after being mobbed by Hong Kong and Japanese fans following the race, was eager to pay tribute to the "brilliant" Maurice.

He added: "I've had a lot of fun riding Maurice. I'm always OK when I'm on him, although today when the gates opened, he made it a bit more difficult for me.

"Fortunately there was a lot of pace and when I found the room I was looking for, he moved into gear and then he just flew and has won easing up.

"He's a brilliant horse. He's very good at a mile, but possibly he's even better at 10 furlongs. He's developed into a big, strong horse and he is a pleasure to ride."

Hori added: "This horse came to Hong Kong as part of a team and that team, which comprises of ourselves and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, have seen everything come to pass."

When asked if that was to be Maurice's last racecourse appearance, Hori added: "That's what I have read in the papers."