Kempes (pink cap) and Andrea Atzeni fly home to win at Sha Tin. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Kempes came from the clouds to complete a brilliant Sha Tin double for David Hall in the Class Three Shanghai Handicap (1,200m) on Wednesday.
Green-lamped into $31.35, Kempes was drawn in the car park in stall 14 and was parked last behind a wall of horses on the rail under Andrea Atzeni as the field turned for home.
The Sardinian weaved through horses despite limited room and despite being snatched up just before the 100m pole, Atzeni finally got daylight and burst into the lead in the final stride without using his whip.
It was a remarkable performance from a horse who was yet to salute from seven Hong Kong starts before Wednesday, but the ability was clearly there as an Argentinian Group One winner and Hall was relieved to see it come together.
