Kinane reaps reward of Far East trip

Mick Kinane soon recovered from the disappointment of finishing last in the Vodafone Derby on Archipenko as he dashed all the way Hong Kong to partner Viva Pataca in the Champions And Chater Cup today.

Kinane raced from Epsom to catch a 12-hour flight and made it to Sha Tin racecourse with less than two hours to spare.

The Irishman was keen to get back on board John Moore's charge after winning the valuable QEII Cup in April, where he beat Sheema Classic hero Vengeance Of Rain.

The rematch was expected to see Vengeance Of Rain exact his revenge but with Kinane at his masterful best, Viva Pataca came from off the pace to win going away from his old rival by three and three-quarter lengths.

The winner was formerly in training with Sir Mark Prescott in Newmarket and won a Listed race at Pontefract but he has now developed into one of the most successful horses in training in Hong Kong.

"Viva Pataca has matured into a lovely horse and can now hold his own against the best stayers anywhere," said Kinane.

"I like this horse and I wanted to ride him in this race. He was travelling well throughout and I didn't even have to ask for an effort. Once I pulled him out from behind Vengeance Of Rain, he accelerated like a good horse should."