Galileo's globetrotting champion Highland Reel bowed out of racing with a performance of sheer class and true grit in Sunday's The Longines Hong Kong Vase (2000m) at Sha Tin.
After taking control from the pacesetting Helene Charisma (FRA) around the home turn, Highland Reel came under challenge, firstly by his Breeders' Cup Turf conqueror Talismanic (Medaglia d'Oro), then Japan's Tosen Basil under Joao Moreira.
Responding to the urging of Ryan Moore, Highland Reel began to rally while his closest pursuers had run out of gas,
After cruising up to Highland Reel, Talismanic had run into a champion at the top of his game and was beaten a length and three-quarters with Tosen Basil back in third. (photos Grant Courtney ).
It was a seventh career Group 1 for Aidan O'Brien-trained stallion, who won the same race in 2015 Vase and was second behind Japan's Satono Crown last year.
It was the 28th win at the highest level for O'Brien this season.
"He's incredible, he's tactically very good, fast early and then quickens," O'Brien said
"What's unbelievable is that he is very brave. When you want everything he gives you everything. Ryan gave him a brilliant ride, he wasn't going to give up."
Highland Reel retires to Coolmore Stud in 2018 as the highest earning European-trained horse in history.
He was purchased as a yearling at the Tattersalls October Sale for 460,000 guineas.
A half-brother to the Group 1 VRC Oaks runner-up Valdemoro (Encosta de Lago), Highland Reel is out of the Group I placed Australian bred Danehill (USA) mare Hveger, a full sister to champion Elvstroem and half-sister to champion Haradasun from Group I AJC Australian Oaks winner Circles of Gold.
Highland Reel's year younger brother Idaho, a 750,000 guineas Tattersalls yearling, won the Group II Hardwicke Stakes and Group II Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, in addition to finishing second in the Irish Derby and third in the Epsom Derby.
