Hugh Bowman’s grin said it all. Standing drenched yet triumphant under the torrential rain at Sha Tin on Sunday, the Australian jockey celebrated a double that showcased both skill and courage, taking his season tally to five wins.
The meeting, shortened due to worsening track conditions, began with Bowman guiding Hakka Radiance to a gutsy victory in the Class 5 Kowloon Tsai Handicap (1800m). The five-year-old, carrying 130lb for trainer Danny Shum, held off a late challenge from Yeaboi (120lb) to claim his first Hong Kong triumph. Shum, now level with Caspar Fownes atop the trainers’ championship, watched on proudly as his horse powered down the rain-slicked stretch.
“I was able to get him into a nice flowing rhythm,” Bowman reflected. “He really let go on that softer ground, and maintaining a consistent gait was vital.”
Bowman’s second winner, Solid Win (132lb), in the Class 4 Kowloon Bay Handicap (1400m), was a display of tactical brilliance. Emerging from the back, Bowman swung wide before slicing through the centre of the track to win by a length over The Heir (128lb) under Vincent Ho. It was trainer Ricky Yiu’s first win of the season.
“I didn’t expect to be so far back, but once he found his stride, heading to the middle gave him fresh ground,” Bowman explained. “It unfolded beautifully, and he finished with authority.”
Trainer Cody Mo also enjoyed a double. Motor (127lb) stormed home in the Class 4 Sam Shing Handicap (1200m), delivering a front-running performance under Derek Leung, who inched closer to 500 Hong Kong winners. Meanwhile, Emblazon (125lb), ridden by Jerry Chau, triumphed in the Class 4 Yi O Handicap (1200m), giving the jockey his first seasonal win.
The Fownes-Wong partnership continued its ascent when Sky Trust (132lb) captured the feature Class 3 KPMG 80th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m). Positioned just behind early leader Wonderstar (126lb), Ellis Wong angled Sky Trust out at the 300m mark, seizing the advantage with a decisive burst. “Ellis put him in a beautiful position, and the horse did the rest,” Fownes said. “He’s very versatile and handles the wet well.”
Other standout performances included David Hayes’ Precision Goal (128lb) in the Class 4 Ting Kau Handicap (1650m, dirt), John Size’s Good Good (126lb) upsetting the Class 4 Kau To Shan Handicap (1600m) at 13/1, and Mojave Desert (129lb) delivering for Mark Newnham in the Class 3 Pat Sin Leng Handicap (1650m, dirt).
With rain and Super Typhoon Ragasa threatening further disruptions, the Happy Valley meeting scheduled for Wednesday (24 September) has been cancelled for safety.
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