Excellent second for Talismanic in G1 Hong Kong Vase

Talismanic, trained by Andre Fabre and ridden by Maxime Guyon, ran very well to finish second in the G1 Hong Kong Vase over 12 furlongs on fast turf at Sha Tin, Hong Kong, on Sunday, December 10.

The winner on his previous start of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf had an excellent run after breaking well from stall one.

Settled in third, Talismanic moved up in the straight and looked to be going very well. He tried to challenge the leader Highland Reel and got within striking distance but was held in the closing stages.

Talismanic went down by a length and three quarters to Highland Reel whose time came to 2m 26.23s. The third home, Japanese challenger Tosen Basil, was a further three quarters of a length back among the 12 runners. 

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Talismanic is a very honest horse, gave his best and ran a very good race. There were no excuses – Talismanic was just beaten by a better horse on the day.

“We will get him home and let him recover from his exertions before making any plans, but he should be a great horse for an international campaign again next year.”

Maxime Guyon added: “Talismanic ran a very good race. I had a perfect run – I followed the winner and came through smoothly. Last time when he won the Breeders’ Cup, the track was better for him as the finishing straight was shorter than here.  

“He has a good turn of foot but for a short spurt, so I waited as long as I could. He came well again today, but 100 metres out he stopped a little bit.”