By Alan Carasso
Dominant (Ire) (Cacique {Ire}–Es Que {GB}, by Inchinor {GB}), who accounted for a strong group of internationally based runners in the 2013 G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, has been retired from racing, according to information from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Bred by Newhall Ltd., Dominant was originally purchased for 95,000gns by John Warren Bloodstock out of the 2009 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale and was initially trained by Roger Varian for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Isinglass syndicate. He won the 2011 £150,000 Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Cup by five lengths and was third to Twice Over (GB) (Observatory) as the favorite in that year's G2 York S. before being sold to Hong Kong.
The nearly black stallion became a reliable stayer, breaking his local maiden at his fifth appearance in the 2012 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) before successfully defending his title 12 months later. He was also third in the Champions and Chater Cup over the course and distance in each of those two seasons.
Dominant's marquee career success came in the 2013 Vase. Given an outstanding ride by Zac Purton from the widest gate, Dominant saved ground early, looped his rivals on the turn and quickened home best of all to defeat favored The Fugue (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and previous Vase winners Dunaden (Fr) (Nicobar {GB}) and Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}) (video). Fifth, beaten 2 1/2 lengths behind Gentildonna (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the 2014 G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, Dominant was third in last year's Champions and Chater–contested as an Group 1 for the first time–and closed out his career with a respectable fourth to his John Moore stablemate Designs On Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) Feb. 28.
A half-brother to G2 Lennox S. winner Es Que Love (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}), Dominant hails from the further female family of G1 Prix de l'Opera winner We Are (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). Hong Kong's champion stayer in 2014, Dominant amassed earnings of $2,987,663.
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