Firebreak gets first Group 1 win

Firebreak breaks through with Hong Kong Mile win (Courtesy of Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Frankie Dettori and FIREBREAK (Charnwood Forest [Ire]) finally found a seam

with about 400 meters to go in Sunday's Hong Kong Mile (HK-G1) and made their

best run near the 200 meter marker at Sha Tin Racecourse, holding off all closers

to win the

good to firm turf contest in 1:34 3/5.

"I am so pleased for this horse to get a Group 1 win," Dettori said. "He may

not be the flash but he always tries for you. He can maybe run only four times a

year, but you know when he comes to the races he will give you a run for your

money and he certainly did that today. You could set your clock by this horse.

He will always give you 110 percent."

Content to sit behind the front-running duo of Scintillation (Danehill) and

Figures (Maroof) while Perfect Partner (Quest for Fame [GB]) and Martillo (Anabaa)

battled for the fourth position, Firebreak was well positioned throughout -- just

behind the speed but in front of the pack. Turning for home, Dettori swung wide

to give his mount clear sailing and the five-year-old responded.

As the

late-runners closed, Firebreak held off

local runner Perfect Partner for a three-quarters-of-a-length win. Another Hong

Kong-based horse, The Duke (Danehill), was another length back in third.