It was sixteen years between drinks for trainer David Hall to earn a second win in the Group 1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin courtesy of the progressive Thronum gelding Invincible Sage.
With Hugh Bowman in the saddle, Invincible Sage tracked the early speed set by Victor The Winner and California Spangle.
Revelling in the sting out of the track, Invincible Sage powered past the favourite California Spangle (Starspangledbanner) to win by one and a half lengths, with Mugen (Deep Field) back in third.
David Hall won the race in 2008 with the champion sprinter Absolute Champion (Marauding), who won the Group II Pago Pago Stakes when named Genius And Evil.
Hugh Bowman said winning for David Hall on the 4-year-old gelding was special.
"He has settled in beautifully since arriving in Hong Kong," Bowman said.
"I had a bit of success with him last season, and I enjoyed watching him get through his grades.
"I think the rain may have assisted him, but even on the dry, I think it would have been a winning day.
"Since I arrived with Christine and the kids, David has been a stellar supporter, and it means a great deal to win this one for David.
"Above all else, I am very proud of this horse: he is the quintessential Hong Kong sprinter. He has adapted to the lifestyle, put on weight and looks magnificent, and it's a pleasure to be part of it.
Invincible Sage hit the ground running in Hong Kong, finishing further back than third in just two of his 11 starts since finishing second in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes at Randwick when trained by Jerome Hunter for Graeme Gathercole.
Named Throm Bone in Australia, Invincible Sage is the first winner and first Group 1 winner for Snitzel's Group II MVRC Australia Stakes winner Thronum, who began his career at Widden Stud.
A $200,000 purchase for Rich River Meat Exports Pty Ltd from the Sun Stud draft at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Invincible Sage is the most expensive yearling by Thronum sold at public auction.
Invincible Sage is the lone winner from three to race for Thorsborne a 4-time winning daughter of Hinchinbrook.
Purchased by Andrew Williams bloodstock for $50,000 at the 2017 Inglis Chairmans Sale, Thorsborne is a sister to Group II ATC Skyline Stakes winner Diamond Tathagata and a half-sister to dual Listed winner Ancestry (The Brothers War).
Coolmore Stud consigned a Trapeze Artist half-sister to Invincible Sage to the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where Ryan & Alexiou Racing had the final say at $20,000.
Thorsborne was covered by Pierro last spring.
Thronum now stands at Maiton Agriculture in Mangoplah, NSW for $3,300.
