Light Years Charm continued his meteoric rise at Sha Tin on Tuesday as the progressive galloper claimed victory in the prestigious Class 2 Hong Kong Reunification Cup Handicap over 1400m. The talented gelding, guided by champion jockey Zac Purton, showed his fighting qualities to notch his third straight win under the Hong Kong skyline.
Originally picked up for just A$3,750, Light Years Charm has proven to be a shrewd acquisition, now boasting nearly HK$9.2 million in career earnings after only nine local starts. Previously racing as Bretsal in Australia, the four-year-old began his journey in the small town of Lismore—incidentally, Purton’s hometown—before being spotted and imported to Hong Kong.
Tuesday’s feature was no easy task. Light Years Charm had to overcome a competitive 12-runner field, sitting towards the rear before producing a powerful late surge down the outside. With 150 metres to go, he took command, but faced a fierce challenge from Mickley, who closed rapidly. In a tense finish, Light Years Charm held on gamely by a narrow head, clocking a time of 1 minute 21.11 seconds.
Purton praised trainer David Eustace for his patient handling of the gelding’s development, highlighting the remarkable improvement shown in his first Hong Kong season. The victory also underlined the sharp eye of the bloodstock agents who discovered him in Australia.
The meeting also featured a standout performance from Manfred Man, who enjoyed a training treble to take his seasonal tally to 43 winners, just shy of his personal best. Apprentice jockey Ellis Wong continued his hot run of form by steering We Are Hero to victory in the Class 4 Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup Handicap (1000m). The consistent sprinter edged out Alonso by a short head, capping Wong’s 50th career win in Hong Kong.
Man’s other victories came courtesy of Pearl Of Pangs in the Class 4 Riding High Together Handicap (1600m) and Yuen Long Elite, who impressed under Keith Yeung in the Class 3 Better Future Handicap (1600m). With momentum on his side, Man expressed confidence about surpassing his previous season record.
Meanwhile, Australian jockey James Orman celebrated his first Hong Kong double. He partnered Wonderstar to success in the Class 4 Serving The Community Handicap (1200m), giving the globe-trotting sprinter wins in Australia, Macau, and now Hong Kong. Orman completed his double aboard Pakistan Legacy, who secured a Class 3 Sportsmanship Handicap (1200m) victory, along with a lucrative HK$1.5 million PP Bonus.
There was also success for Brenton Avdulla, guiding Spirit Of Peace to a smooth win in the Class 4 Uncompromising Integrity Handicap (1400m), and for Zac Purton again, who partnered Gold Tack to a breakthrough win in the Class 5 Racing Goes On Handicap (1800m) after 30 attempts.
Luke Ferraris ended a frustrating spell by leading from the front on Amazing Galaxy in the Class 4 World-Class Leadership Handicap (1000m), marking his 45th win of the season. Francis Lui’s Meaningful Dragon returned from knee surgery in style, claiming victory in the Class 4 Continuous Development Handicap (1400m) under Antoine Hamelin.
Racing action resumes at Sha Tin this Saturday with Chairmen’s Day, promising another thrilling afternoon of competition.
