Sha Tin witnessed a thrilling display of precision and power on Wednesday (1 October) as Fast Network surged to victory in the G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m), delivering trainer Dennis Yip his first triumph of the 2025/26 season. Under the expert guidance of Alexis Badel, who claimed the race for the third time, the five-year-old son of Wrote dazzled an impressive field, leaving spectators in awe.
For Badel, the win was a personal highlight. Having finished sixth last year aboard Beauty Waves, the Frenchman eagerly sought the ride on Fast Network. “I knew he’d be a very strong contender in this race, so I was chasing the ride, and I’m grateful that the connections and the trainer gave me the confidence,” Badel said. “It’s always nice to deliver. He won brilliantly, even if I hit the front a little too soon because of the draw.”
Fast Network was patiently restrained until the final 200 metres, when Badel unleashed him along the outside to seize the lead in commanding fashion. “He’s a late finisher,” Yip explained. “I told the jockey not to push him early—just let him relax, and he will finish strongly in the last 300 metres.”
Yip praised his horse’s development, noting improvement since the Class 2 Tai Mo Shan Handicap (1400m). “He’s a very honest horse. The plan now is to aim for the Group 2 Premier Bowl (1200m) at the end of the month,” the trainer added.
Purton’s Treble and Veteran Gallopers Shine
Champion jockey Zac Purton continued his rich vein of form, claiming a treble at Sha Tin to take his season tally to 13 wins. First up, 24-race maiden Ragnarr finally broke through in the Class 5 Nanning Handicap (1200m) for trainer David Hall, coming from behind to seize victory in the final 150 metres.
Purton then steered Oriental Smoke (135lb) to victory in the Class 5 Jinan Handicap (1800m). Trainer David Hayes revealed that all seven of the veteran’s wins have come under Purton, and this may be the seasoned campaigner’s final outing if soreness persists.
Completing his treble, Purton guided the progressive Invincible Ibis (132lb) to triumph in the Class 4 Chengdu Handicap (1400m). Held up at the back, the four-year-old surged through the centre to win by two lengths, a testament to careful planning and tactical riding.
Meanwhile, nine-year-old Healthy Happy (131lb) captured the Class 2 Beijing Handicap (1400m), notching his first win in over two years for trainer Frankie Lor. At 21/1, the veteran defied the odds under apprentice Jerry Chau, finishing ahead of Steps Ahead (125lb) and Hong Lok Golf (134lb).
Other feature winners included Britney Wong aboard Tsuen Wan Glory (123lb) in the Class 5 Shenyang Handicap (1400m), Man’s Aurora Patch (131lb) in the Class 4 Chongqing Handicap (1200m), Chris So and Andrea Atzeni’s first-time winner Sunny Q (118lb), and Atzeni pairing with Kempes (117lb) to win the Class 3 Shanghai Handicap (1200m).
Mark Newnham completed the fixture on a high, with Max Que (117lb) clinching the Class 3 Tianjin Handicap (1400m) by a short head over Silvery Breeze (126lb).
Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Saturday (4 October), promising more drama and star performances.
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