Hugh Bowman treble headlines a remarkable midweek meeting at Happy Valley, where the Australian rider capped a standout week with three victories, while trainer Danny Shum surged into the championship picture with an impressive four-timer.
Fresh from his success in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin, Bowman carried his momentum into Wednesday night’s fixture, delivering a polished riding display that underlined his current form. Reflecting on the past few days, Bowman described it as “the highlight of this season,” having carefully earmarked this period for strong opportunities.
“It goes in roundabouts; you have quiet periods, and you have good periods,” Bowman said. “Coming into this week, I felt I had rides capable of being in the finish, which helps you focus that bit more.”
His evening began in the Class 5 Tuen Mun Handicap (2200m), where Joyful Prosperity battled gamely to edge Romantic Fantasy in a tight finish. Produced with a well-timed run, the veteran runner responded generously under pressure, vindicating Bowman’s confidence.
“He’s an old soldier who really fights when he’s in contention,” Bowman noted. “I’ve had a bit of luck with him, so it was pleasing to get the result.”
Bowman doubled his tally in the Class 4 Tsuen Wan Handicap (1650m) second division aboard Beauty Viva, trained by Tony Cruz. Positioned patiently off the pace, the five-year-old quickened decisively in the straight to secure his first local victory.
“I’ve always felt he had more ability than his form suggests,” Bowman said. “Today he showed that with a more purposeful run.”
The Hugh Bowman treble was completed in the Class 4 Kwai Chung Handicap (1200m), where Motor justified earlier promise with a determined success. The four-year-old had hinted at a breakthrough performance in previous outings, and this time delivered under a confident ride.
“I thought there was plenty of merit in his recent run,” Bowman added. “He felt like a horse ready to win.”
While Bowman dominated the saddle, Danny Shum’s quartet of winners provided the night’s major narrative. His tally began with Win Method in the first division of the Tsuen Wan Handicap (1650m), ridden by Lyle Hewitson, before Without Compare produced a gritty display in the Class 3 Fanling Handicap (1650m) under Jerry Chau.
Shum’s fourth success came in the concluding Class 3 Kwu Tung Handicap (1200m), where My Day My Way held off Greater Bae in a close finish, capping a memorable evening for the stable.
The trainer’s surge has brought him firmly into contention in the trainers’ standings, though he remains measured in his ambitions.
“I won’t push my horses to win a championship,” Shum said. “Of course I would love to, but their wellbeing comes first.”
Elsewhere on the card, Honest Witness delivered a long-awaited success in the second division of the Class 4 Kwai Chung Handicap (1200m) for trainer David Hayes. Under Zac Purton, the four-year-old made all, holding off a late challenge from The Heir.
Purton also partnered Giant Ballon to a commanding victory in the opening division of the same race, the improving gelding making it two wins in succession for trainer Douglas Whyte.
French jockey Alexis Badel ended a frustrating spell when guiding Bunta Baby to victory in the Class 3 The Rotary Centenary Challenge Cup Handicap (1000m), marking his third win from the horse’s last four starts.
With momentum building across stables and riders, attention now turns to the upcoming Sha Tin meeting, as the season continues to gather pace.
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