After nearly two years away from the winner’s enclosure, Lucky Sweynesse wins Chairman’s Trophy in a performance that blended patience, resilience, and a touch of class at Sha Tin on Monday, 6 April. Carrying 123lb, the seven-year-old held off a determined late charge from My Wish to land the HK$5.35 million Group 2 feature over 1600 metres, handing jockey Derek Leung and trainer Manfred Man a deeply satisfying success.
Drawn wide in barrier 10, Lucky Sweynesse was eased into a handy position as Chancheng Glory set the pace, tracked by Storm Rider. Settling comfortably just behind the leaders, Leung allowed his mount to find rhythm before angling three-wide on the home turn. The response was immediate. Striding into contention at the 250-metre mark, Lucky Sweynesse surged to the front, but the race was far from over as My Wish lunged late, narrowing the margin to a short head at the line.
Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble, conceding weight at 128lb, ran on for third, while Galaxy Patch filled fourth. The winning time of 1m 33.65s reflected a steadily run contest that built into a compelling finish.
For a horse once crowned Hong Kong Champion Sprinter in the 2022/23 season, the return to form carried added significance. His career had been interrupted by a left fore fetlock injury discovered after his victory in the 2024 Sprint Cup, forcing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Monday’s success came in only his second attempt over a mile, underlining a remarkable evolution from specialist sprinter to effective miler.
Trainer Manfred Man admitted the performance had exceeded expectations. He noted how the race shape played into their hands, with early pace allowing Lucky Sweynesse to settle before finishing strongly. Now seven, the gelding is being handled with care, his programme tailored to preserve both fitness and longevity.
Leung, who has partnered the horse consistently in recent outings, including placed efforts at the highest level earlier this season, expressed gratitude to the ownership group and stable staff, emphasising the team effort behind the comeback.
Lucky Sweynesse wins Chairman’s Trophy and eyes bigger targets
The result adds a new chapter to an already distinguished record that includes four Group 1 victories. Having finished second in January’s Stewards’ Cup over the same distance and again over 1400 metres in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, the signs of resurgence had been building. Now, with Lucky Sweynesse wins Chairman’s Trophy confirmed, attention turns to the HK$24 million Group 1 Champions Mile later this month, where international challengers such as Jantar Mantar and Docklands may await.
Man indicated that the approach will remain measured, with no desire to overextend the veteran despite his evident ability. The emphasis remains on maintaining condition and allowing the horse to perform within himself.
Racing in Hong Kong continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, 8 April, as the season moves forward with its usual rhythm.
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