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The Caspar Fownes-trained Rainbow Chic (120lbs) became the first horse in history to win the Class One Happy Valley Vase for the third time in succession on Wednesday night.
Jumping fairly from gate five, under Zac Purton, the Peintre Celebre six-year-old was positioned rear of mid-division, with cover, in a field of twelve, while Regency King (113 lbs) and Fat Choy Hong Kong (104 lbs) set the pace in this 1800m contest.
As the field fanned out in the straight, Fownes' charge, took the inside passage and quickened strongly, comfortably landing a two-length victory over the fast-finishing Flame Hero (124 lbs) with Jazzy Feeling (113 lbs) holding third a further neck behind. The winner's time was 1m 48.30s.
Fownes was delighted that Rainbow Chic was able to regain his reputation.
"It's wonderful that this horse won this race for the third year in a row," said Fownes who landed a treble with Joyeux winning the Class Four Holly Handicap (1200m) and The Prince taking the Class Three Broom Handicap (1200m).
"He's such a good horse at Happy Valley. We get him back here and he is in top form. It was a decent ride by Zac (Purton) and it's nice to see the horse get these results for the owners. They're very good owners."
Fownes said this race was the plan for his track specialist since Rainbow Chic couldn’t muster at Sha Tin.
"He's a very good horse - it's a shame that he could not perform the same at Sha Tin. He's just so good at Happy Valley."
The Happy Valley Vase is the final feature at Happy Valley in the current season.
After landing a treble, Fownes is now a solo second in the Trainers' Championship with 56 wins, two behind John Moore, who was winless on Wednesday. John Size collected one win pushing his total to 54.
