Son Of Starspangledbanner Captures Hong Kong Mile

California Spangle (4g Starspangledbanner - Pearlitas Passion, by High Chaparral) lowered the colours of reigning champion Golden Sixty to gain a deserved Group 1 success in Sunday’s Hong Kong Mile.

California Spangle had been denied by Golden Sixty twice previously, first in the Group 1 Champions Mile, and last time out when beaten just a neck in the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile. Sunday saw Zac Purton follow the same formula to try turn the tables on the third attempt and rode Tony Cruz’s charge to make most of the running. Ridden from the two furlong pole, he asserted soon after and was driven out to beat his formidable foe by a neck.

“He’s a special horse,” Purton later commented. “He's shown throughout his career he's a horse who deserves to be in the top echelon. It took Golden Sixty to beat him last time and I think he's the best I've seen since I've been here. There's no disgrace in that.”

“He's a phenomenal horse and he's versatile,” Purton continued. “He's won over 1000m, 1200m, 1600m, 1800m and just got beat over 2000 metres. Not many horses can do that.”

California Spangle’s impressive record now boasts nine wins and five seconds from all of his starts, with earnings now exceeding €5.2million. A €150,000 yearling purchase by MC Bloodstock, the son of Starspangledbanner was bred by M Enright.