As the Hong Kong racing season nears its conclusion, the battle for the prestigious Tony Cruz Award is heating up with just four race meetings remaining. Among the contenders, Matthew Chadwick is hoping to close the gap and edge closer to reclaiming the title of Hong Kong’s top homegrown jockey, a title he last won in the 2021/22 season.
Chadwick, who has notched 34 winners so far this season, is locked in a close fight with Matthew Poon (36 wins) and Derek Leung (32 wins). With limited opportunities left, Chadwick believes much will depend on racing luck and how the draws play out in the coming fixtures. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Sha Tin meeting, he remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the unpredictability that often comes with the final weeks of the season.
He teams up with promising three-year-old Light Years Glory in the Purves Quaich (1200m) for Griffins. The gelding made headlines on debut back in May, producing a gritty performance to win as a long-priced outsider at Sha Tin. Chadwick feels there’s more to come from the Advertise-sired youngster, noting his fighting spirit when faced with pressure during that first outing. The jockey hopes that with smoother circumstances this time, the pair can make their presence felt again.
Meanwhile, Matthew Poon is determined to maintain his narrow lead, but he knows the competition is fierce. He partners Tourbillon Golfer in the Class 4 Stevenson Cup Handicap (1200m), a promising runner from Ricky Yiu’s stable. The gelding impressed on debut with a runner-up finish, showing natural speed and a composed temperament, and Poon is confident the horse will benefit from that experience. With the inside draw in his favour, Poon sees this as an ideal chance to boost his tally.
Despite holding a slim advantage, Poon admits the race for the Tony Cruz Award is far from settled. A recent winless stretch has tightened the standings, with both Chadwick and Leung gaining ground. Reflecting on his season, Poon remains focused but realistic, knowing he must seize opportunities in the final meetings rather than leaving it to chance.
Derek Leung, a two-time Tony Cruz Award winner, has quietly worked his way back into contention with consistent performances in recent weeks. His experience and determination make him a genuine threat as the season heads to its climax on 16 July.
The upcoming meetings also mark a positive step for Vincent Ho, another four-time recipient of the Tony Cruz Award. Ho returned to trackwork for the first time since suffering injuries in a fall earlier this year. Though he won’t race again this season, his goal is to return fitter and stronger when the new season gets underway.
Adding further intrigue to Saturday’s Sha Tin fixture, trainer Frankie Lor is set to unveil Symbol Of Strength in the Class 3 Chow Silver Plate Handicap (1200m). The Kodiac-sired gelding arrives with promising credentials, having claimed victory in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes in England last year. Since arriving in Hong Kong, Symbol Of Strength underwent gelding, a move Lor believes has helped settle the horse. Though not yet at peak fitness, Lor is keen to give him race experience under Andrea Atzeni.
Saturday’s 11-race program kicks off with the Purves Quaich at 4pm, setting the stage for an exciting day where the Tony Cruz Award picture could shift yet again.
