Legendary trainer David Hayes admits he can’t wait to see Mr Brightside in Hong Kong following the star’s narrow second in the Cox Plate.

Given an expert ride by Craig Williams, Mr Brightside popped up along the rails, only to be edged out on the winning post by Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in a thrilling finish.

Hayes said he couldn’t be prouder of his sons Ben, Will and JD and said he was excited to see what Mr Brightside could do in Hong Kong.

“A lot of work of work goes into getting here today, and for the boys, it would have been such a thrill for them to win and it’s devastating that he lost,”

“It was a great ride and her got beaten by a very good horse.

“Let’s get him to Hong Kong.”

When asked about his pride in how the boys have been training, Hayes said: “It’s been the most pleasurable thing. I am so proud of how they’ve done.

“They’re achieving more than people thought they would, and that’s nice to prove a few people wrong.

“They’ve got level heads, they work hard and hopefully it will keep going.”