Britney Wong’s smile said it all. After crossing the line on Packing Bole, her second winner of the day, the 26-year-old apprentice was greeted by cheers from the Sha Tin crowd and pats on the back from fellow riders. For Wong, the moment meant more than just another victory – it marked her 20th career win in Hong Kong, a milestone she had been chasing since the end of last season.
“I actually aimed for those last two winners on the final day last season, but I couldn’t get there,” Wong admitted, grinning. “So I brushed myself off and tried my best today. It feels really nice.”
Wong’s Breakthrough Day
Wong struck first with Fight Time in the opening division of the Class 5 Hong Tung Handicap (1400m). Using her 10-pound claim to full effect, she held off Lyle Hewitson and the charging Cashiscash in a tight finish that had the stands on their feet. Trainer David Hall praised her poise.
“She did a great job,” Hall said. “From barrier 13 it was never going to be easy, but she kept the horse balanced and let him build momentum.”
Her second triumph, in the Class 3 Oi Tung Handicap (1200m, dirt), was even more polished. From a wide draw, Wong wasted no time seizing the lead on Packing Bole, dictating the race from the front before fending off Mr Energia for a comfortable one-and-a-half-length success.
“It worked perfectly,” Wong explained. “He’s a straightforward horse – he always just leads and keeps up a strong pace. No one tried to pressure me today, which made it easier.”
The double means Wong’s apprentice claim will now be reduced to seven pounds starting next week, underlining her steady rise through the Hong Kong ranks.
Badel’s Treble and Other Highlights
While Wong’s landmark grabbed headlines, Alexis Badel reminded everyone of his class with a sparkling treble. Fresh from a fruitful off-season stint in Japan, the Frenchman partnered My Flying Angel to victory in the second division of the Class 5 Hong Tung Handicap before producing a stunning upset on 65/1 outsider Same To You in the Class 4 Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Challenge Cup Handicap.
“That was a nice surprise,” admitted trainer Mark Newnham, who saddled the winner. “We knew it would be tough from gate 14, but Alexis followed instructions perfectly – ride him to finish strong – and it paid off.”
Badel capped his day with a front-running display on Master Of All in the Class 3 Wah Fu Handicap (1400m).
Elsewhere, Andrea Atzeni partnered Max Que and Jubilant Winner for his double, while trainers Newnham and Danny Shum also enjoyed two wins apiece. David Hayes’ Metro Power produced arguably the most eye-catching run of the day, scorching down the 1000-metre straight to win in 55.33s under Hewitson.
Champion jockey Zac Purton also got on the board with Blazing Wind, though the favourite was made to fight every stride to fend off Daily Trophy in the first dirt contest of the season. Derek Leung rounded out the card with a patient ride on Sugar Ball in the Kwong Fuk Handicap.
Hong Kong racing resumes at Happy Valley on Wednesday (17 September).
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