There was a moment of quiet joy as Vincent Ho tightened the girth on Jumbo Legend in the stable yard at Happy Valley. A year ago, the star jockey was lying in hospital with fractured vertebrae and a head injury, his future uncertain. On Wednesday night (17 September), he will stride out in the spotlight again, aiming to turn recovery into triumph in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Shek O Handicap (1650m).
For Ho, the comeback has been as emotional as it has been physical. The 35-year-old spent months rebuilding his strength at the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre, relearning the balance of the saddle, and even reconnecting with an old ally — Golden Sixty, the horse he partnered to record-breaking glory.
“I’m enjoying it and I am happy with myself,” Ho said with quiet conviction. “People said ‘come back stronger’, and that’s what I am. I’ve done all the tests, and every result is better than before. Now, it’s just about getting the good rides.”
Jumbo Legend chases Valley repeat
The night’s highlight is the return of Jumbo Legend, who closed out last season with a sparkling victory and now bids for a second straight success. Drawn in gate four under Ho’s guidance, the seven-time Valley winner faces a deep field including Californiatotality (133lb), Voyage Samurai (131lb), Telecom Fighters (130lb), Encountered (129lb), La City Blanche (129lb), Soleil Fighter (129lb), Steps Ahead (126lb), Keefy (124lb), Lo Rider (121lb), Bravehearts (120lb) and Woodfire Bro (120lb).
“I know him well — he always performs,” Ho said. “Hopefully he does the same as last season. He’s won at every Valley distance except 1000 metres. He’s an honest, decent horse.”
Trainer Caspar Fownes will be hoping that Jumbo Legend, who took four wins from his last five outings, can again be the flagbearer for his stable’s Valley fortunes.
Rivals ready for the challenge
South African rider Lyle Hewitson will look to spoil the party with Steps Ahead, a consistent five-year-old who rarely finishes out of the frame. “He’s very fit and I think the 1650 at Happy Valley really suits him,” Hewitson said. “He’s in good condition and should run a big race.”
Australian trainer Mark Newnham also brings a strong hand, notably with Youthful Spirits (134lb), a pacey runner partnered by Luke Ferraris, and Spicy Gold (131lb), who teams with Hugh Bowman in the Class 3 Repulse Bay Handicap (1000m).
“He’s really good fresh,” Newnham said of Spicy Gold. “He’s a big, awkward horse — not the typical Valley type — but once he gets it together, he chases hard.”
Meanwhile, Group 1 winner Red Lion had a quiet trial alongside Light Years Charm and Patch Of Theta at Sha Tin on Tuesday, a reminder that Happy Valley’s midweek fare is only one strand in the broader season tapestry.
Wednesday night under the lights
Happy Valley will stage eight races on Wednesday, starting at 7.10pm with the Class 5 Chung Hom Kok Handicap (1000m). But for many in the stands, the spotlight will be fixed on Vincent Ho — a rider reborn, a fighter back where he belongs — as Jumbo Legend seeks to add another victory to his Valley record.
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For full fixture details, visit the Happy Valley Racecourse.
