Champion trainer John Size finally opened his account for the season at Happy Valley with a morale-boosting double on Wednesday night (17 December), registering his first Happy Valley wins of the term and injecting fresh momentum into his title defence.
After a steady start to the campaign, the Australian Hall of Fame conditioner struck late on the card to lift his seasonal tally to 10 victories, a timely reminder of his enduring strength at the city circuit. Andrea Atzeni and James McDonald supplied the finishing touches as Size’s runners delivered when it mattered most.
Four-year-old Amazing Kid set the ball rolling in the third section of the Class 4 Albatross Handicap over 1200 metres. Drawn ideally and carrying a light weight, the Exceed And Excel gelding hugged the rail before producing a determined surge inside the final 200 metres. He prevailed by the narrowest of margins over Meowth, with Run Run Smart close behind in third.
Size was delighted to see the gelding finally put it all together. He noted that the run unfolded exactly as hoped, adding that Amazing Kid has taken time to learn his craft but showed real resolve when asked to finish off his race. The trainer credited Atzeni’s positive handling for extracting that late effort.
The double was completed in the closing event when the ultra-consistent A Americ Te Specso landed the Class 3 Sea Eagle Handicap over 1650 metres. Partnered by McDonald, the son of Per Incanto once again charged through the line in familiar fashion, underlining his reliability after four seasons in the Size stable.
Happy Valley wins ignite momentum for leading trainers
Size was not the only trainer to enjoy multiple successes on the night. Me Tsui continued his upward trajectory this season, moving to nine wins courtesy of a brace that showcased both youth and experience.
Macanese Master secured his first Hong Kong victory in the Class 5 Robin Handicap over 1000 metres. Carrying the minimum weight and guided confidently by apprentice Angus Chung, the gelding showed grit to hold off Island Breezes, with Oriental Surprise finishing third in a tight conclusion.
Tsui’s second winner came via Candlelight Dinner in the Class 3 Nightjar Handicap, again over the flying 1000 metres. Visiting rider Maxime Guyon made the most of his opportunity, steering the gelding to a sharp success that capped a productive spell in the saddle.
The jockey honours were shared between Hugh Bowman and McDonald, who each finished the evening with two victories. Bowman’s night began with a polished ride aboard Star Brose in the opening Class 5 Heron Handicap over 2200 metres. Trainer David Hayes praised the judgement and timing of the ride as the gelding broke through for a deserved maiden success, taking Hayes to 21 wins for the season.
Bowman later doubled up when California Moxie delivered in the Class 4 Lark Handicap over 1650 metres for Tony Cruz, showing resilience in the closing stages.
McDonald’s second success came earlier in the programme with Perfectday, who swept home in the second section of the Class 4 Albatross Handicap. The victory marked trainer Chris So’s 10th of the campaign and came despite concerns over the draw and the gelding’s first appearance at Happy Valley. So admitted the performance exceeded expectations.
One of the evening’s most eye-catching efforts came from Flash Star in the feature Class 4 The Hong Kong Golf Club Centenary Cup Handicap over 1200 metres. Despite showing signs of tension beforehand, the Charm Spirit gelding settled into stride and sprinted sharply along the inside rail under Richard Kingscote. The rider described the win as a pleasant surprise, reflecting on the patience required to unlock the gelding’s ability.
Kingscote later spoke candidly about the competitiveness of the riding ranks in Hong Kong, expressing satisfaction at gaining support and converting chances when they arise.
The crowd favourite of the night arrived when Young Bravo claimed the Class 4 Swiftlet Handicap over 1800 metres. James Orman produced the All Too Hard gelding with a well-timed run to earn a first career success at his fourth attempt for trainer David Hall, drawing an enthusiastic response from connections.
Hong Kong racing now turns its attention to Sha Tin, where the next meeting is scheduled for Saturday (20 December).
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