When Harry Bentley returned to scale, he allowed himself a rare smile – the kind reserved for a horse that keeps answering every question. Hong Lok Golf, a model of consistency this season, surged home with his trademark late punch to hand Bentley another proud milestone in the Class 2 Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (30 November). The rider’s delighted pat down the neck told the story better than words ever could.
The five-year-old was sent out with expectation, and he met it with conviction. Settling quietly from barrier one, Hong Lok Golf travelled with purpose, tracked the pace without stress, and when the inside gap finally opened, Bentley drove him forward with total faith. The gelding responded like a horse who knows his job – strong, fluent, unflustered. He crossed the line clear of Soleil Fighter and Steps Ahead in 1:34.02, extending his remarkable record to seven wins from ten lifetime appearances.
It was also Bentley’s tenth success this term and yet another reminder of the connection he has forged with this horse. All of Hong Lok Golf’s victories have come under the same rider, and this latest result pushes the gelding beyond the HK$10 million earnings mark – an achievement built through patience, rhythm and undeniable synergy.
Bentley later reflected warmly on the run, noting the confidence that followed a sharp trial and the comfort of an ideal draw. Once the tempo lifted around the turn, Hong Lok Golf slipped through gears smoothly, accelerating the moment space appeared. “He travelled into the race beautifully,” the rider shared post-race, visibly energised by the result. “He’s a genuine fighter with a big heart, and days like this make the hard work worthwhile.”
Purton Leads the Supporting Cast
While Hong Lok Golf claimed top billing, Zac Purton authored his own trio of standout performances. Majestic Valour carried the champion jockey home with authority in the Class 4 sprint over 1200m, followed by a sharp display from Packing Glory in a 1000m contest, and later a driving finish to land the 1000m Class 2 aboard Colourful King. Purton acknowledged the tactical challenge from a low draw on the straight course but executed with experience, timing his run late to perfection.
His victory aboard Packing Glory left trainer Ricky Yiu optimistic about the youngster’s long-term future. The lightly-raced galloper is still learning the trade, but Yiu believes improvement is only just beginning. Pierre Ng expressed similar satisfaction after Majestic Valour glided clear, noting that New Zealand trials had hinted at ability long before arrival.
Wins Spread Across the Card
Dazzling Fit added another layer to the afternoon when he edged Beauty Bolt by a short head in a gripping finish to the Class 3 mile, delivering trainer David Eustace a second win for the day. The gelding now looks to bigger assignments as the Four-Year-Old Classic Series comes into view.
Young Horizon stormed home under Karis Teetan to claim the Class 5 (1400m), while Day Day Victory continued his upward curve for Michael Chang with a second straight success on the 1200m dirt. Hugh Bowman guided Audacious Pursuit to his maiden win, denying Smart Fat Cat in one of the closest calls of the programme, before Matters Most swept late as a standby starter to hand Danny Shum and Ellis Wong an unexpected but well-earned result.
With momentum rising and form lines tightening, the Hong Kong season gathers pace once more. Racing now moves to Happy Valley on Wednesday (3 December), where fresh chapters will be written – but for Bentley and Hong Lok Golf, this was a day to savour.
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