“He Fought Back”: After Retiring, Horse Racing Icon Exultant Received a Special Tribute

The Longines Hong Kong Vase, a big race in Sha Tin every December is the most important part of the annual Longines Hong Kong International Races. Among the cherished champions, one horse stands out for its unforgettable win—the 2018 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase winner. Trained by A S (Tony) Cruz, this horse secured multiple victories in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup G1 and the G1 Champions & Chater Cup, in addition to notable placings and triumphs in various other high-profile races.

He claimed not only his inaugural Horse of the Year honor but also secured back-to-back wins for the Champion Stayer and Champion Middle-Distance Horse titles. However, a recent post by the horse racing governing body on X highlighted the legacy he has left.

Heartwarming Homage from World Horse Racing

Recently, World Horse Racing shared a heartwarming post celebrating the retired horse, EXULTANT. The post, captioned “Superstar returns home! @HKJC_Racing superstar EXULTANT is loving retired life with Belinda Strudwick @BallygallonStud,” captured the joyous moments of the horse’s post-racing life.

The accompanying video featured the owner reminiscing about EXULTANT’s exceptional journey, expressing how they always knew he was destined for greatness, leading to his remarkable races in Hong Kong. As his owner said, “he’s been with us ever since and very much enjoying his retirement for us he’s been such a special horse”. After retiring, the owner happily agreed to bring the exultant back to his birthplace, where he continues to revel in a well-deserved retirement

Exultant’s ascendancy

Exultant’s remarkable prowess glittered during his second Hong Kong season, seizing victories that solidified his place in racing history. Fans eagerly gathered at the Sha Tin grandstand, witnessing the sheer determination in the horse racing. The momentous win at the 2018 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase, in a competitive field, showcased Exultant’s role as the beacon of hope for the home team.

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Guided by the expert hand of jockey Zac Purton, Exultant surged ahead in the race. Displaying his characteristic refusal to yield, the heroic stayer surged forward, clinching victory by a neck. This marked the beginning of a phenomenal partnership, with Purton riding Exultant to five G1 wins, including the 2019 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cups, establishing the duo as an unstoppable force in the racing circuit.

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