Exultant wins Queen Mother Memorial Cup in Hong Kong

Exultant, third in the Group 1 Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2017, won his first group stakes in Hong Kong in Sunday’s Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup at 1 1/2 miles on turf at Sha Tin.

Exultant, ridden by Zac Purton, justified his 1-2 price with a six-length win over Prawn Baba in the Memorial Cup, a handicap. Exultant carried 121 pounds, six more than Prawn Baba. Trained by Tony Cruz, Exultant closed from the back of the field of seven to take the lead with a quarter-mile remaining.

Doyeni finished third with Eagle Way fourth at 9-2. Eagle Way, the 133-pound highweight in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup, was third in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin on April 29.

Exultant was third in the Hong Kong Derby for 4-year-olds on March 18. An Irish-bred colt by Teofilo, Exultant raced under the name Irishcorrespondent in Europe. Horses frequently have their names changed when they begin racing in Hong Kong.

Exultant has won 2 of 8 starts in Hong Kong, and is likely to start in the Group 1 Champions and Chater Cup at 1 1/2 miles on turf at Sha Tin on May 27.

Pakistan Star, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, is the likely favorite in the Champions and Chater Cup.