Holy Roman’s son takes HK G3

The admirably consistent Charles The Great (4g Holy Roman Emperor-Jojeema, by Barathea) came out best in a blanket finish to the G3 Sha Tin Vase over six furlongs in Hong Kong on Sunday.

The Holy Roman Emperor four-year-old, who won the Weatherbys Super Sprint when trained by Andrew Balding in Britain, came with a run up the centre of the track to score by a short-head under Tommy Berry.

“It probably wasn’t the prettiest run, four deep with cover, but they were bunched up and we were close enough if good enough,” said Berry. “He’s been in very good form; even though it was a big step up, horses in form are always the ones to follow.”

Trainer John Moore paid tribute to the winner. “He’s one of the most consistent horses in training,” said Moore. “We thought he was a horse only for Happy Valley but he finally went over the 100 mark so these horses have got to get their chances in Group races. The jockey told me leading into the race that he had worked the place down and that he was a live chance; then we drew the wide gate (14) and there was always then a question mark.”

Bred by Michael Woodlock and Seamus Kennedy, Charles The Great is a grandson of the Irish Oaks winner Knight’s Baroness.