Rulership takes Sha Tin crown

Japanese raider Rulership turned the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup into a one-sided affair as he triumphed at Sha Tin in the hands of Umberto Rispoli yesterday.

Japan plundered the 10-furlong contest with Eishin Preston in both 2002 and 2003 and the Katsuhiko Sumii-trained Rulership added to that tally in the race in fine style.

Rispoli, riding on the final day of his Hong Kong contract, used his initiative to track pacesetter Fay Fay before darting for a small gap between that horse and the rail early in the straight.