It is hard to imagine many more emotional victories at Sha Tin than if Beat The Bank were to win the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile on 9 December.

Owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died in a helicopter accident on 27 October outside the King Power Leicester City stadium - home of the English football club the Thai businessman propelled to an incredible Premier League title in 2016.

Football was not his only sporting passion, though. His interests also included a growing connection with racing in Britain, with Andrew Balding as his principal trainer.

“We had been talking about Hong Kong for Beat The Bank for some time,” Balding said. “Vichai was so enthusiastic about the horse going there. To follow his wishes and to travel this horse over after what happened is very important for us.”

Indeed, the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile was first suggested way back in July after the specialist miler won the G2 Summer Mile at Ascot. A dynamic late surge took the gelding to another G2 victory in Goodwood's Celebration Mile in August.

Both wins came under Oisin Murphy. The ace rider will be in the saddle again at Sha Tin and is banking on his mount’s fighting qualities against a top-class field of opponents, which includes the world’s top-rated turf miler, Beauty Generation.

“He is so tough,” Murphy said. “He's one of those horses who can win even when things don't go right.”