EZIYRA fared best of the European contingent as she finished third behind Exultant in the Grade 1 Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.

No less than eight runners from Britain, Ireland and France went to post in the 12-furlong contest with Andre Fabre’s Waldgeist and the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Mirage Dancer among the leading contenders.

The early gallop was set by Crocosmia and turning for home, Eziyra appeared to be perfectly positioned under Christophe Lemaire as Rostropovich briefly tried to challenge down the outside of the track.

However, it turned into a head-to-head between the Tony Cruz-trained Exultant and Lys Gracieux, with the first named prevailing in a tight finish in the hands of Zac Purton.