There are few stories in racing that resonate quite like a champion finding his way back, and Lucky Sweynesse arrives at Sha Tin this Sunday carrying both expectation and admiration as he lines up in the HK$24 million Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m).
Raced by the Cheng family and trained by Manfred Man, the former Hong Kong Champion Sprinter has gradually rebuilt his reputation after a lengthy injury layoff that once cast doubt over his future. His journey back has been measured rather than rushed, and now, stepping into elite company over a mile, he stands on the brink of another defining moment.
Sidelined for more than a year, Lucky Sweynesse returned in last season’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize, finishing sixth. It was a modest beginning, but one that laid the foundation for steady progress. He followed that with a solid fourth-place finish behind Helios Express, closing his campaign with quiet promise.
This term, however, has seen a sharper edge. After a respectable fourth in the Hong Kong Sprint, the gelding surprised many by finishing second to Romantic Warrior in the Stewards’ Cup—his first attempt at the mile. That effort signalled a shift in direction. A gallant third behind Ka Ying Rising in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup confirmed his versatility, before a decisive victory in the Chairman’s Trophy earlier this month underlined his readiness for Sunday’s challenge.
Cheng Ming Leung explained that the move up in distance was not taken lightly. The decision, he said, was rooted in both pedigree and timing.
“It’s a family decision to step him up in trip, as he is bred to be a miler,” Cheng noted. “When he was younger, there was no need to change what was already working. But after his recovery and with maturity, we felt it was the right time.”
The patience shown by the connections has been matched by the work behind the scenes. Cheng Yu Wai was quick to acknowledge the role played by Manfred Man and his stable team in nursing the horse back to peak condition.
“They’ve put in tremendous effort over the past two years. Turning things around like this is never easy, but we’re delighted to see it all come together now,” he said.
A favourable draw in gate four has added to the optimism. The camp expects jockey Derek Leung to position Lucky Sweynesse prominently, ideally settling near the rail and conserving energy for the straight.
“It’s a good draw,” Cheng Ming Leung added. “If he jumps well and finds a nice position, he should be competitive.”
The field, however, is anything but forgiving. Among the leading contenders is Japan’s Jantar Mantar, widely viewed as a major threat in what promises to be a high-class renewal of the mile contest.
Regardless of the outcome, the Cheng family is already relishing the occasion. Having a runner on FWD Champions Day, one of the sport’s marquee fixtures, is a reward in itself after the setbacks they have endured.
“We’re grateful to be part of such a prestigious day,” Cheng said. “To compete at this level again means a lot to all of us.”
Sunday’s 11-race programme at Sha Tin begins at 12:30pm with the Class 4 FWD Insurance Act Private Handicap (1200m), setting the stage for an afternoon where stories of resilience and excellence are set to unfold.
Lucky Sweynesse Champions Mile 2026 will stand as one of the most compelling narratives of the day, a blend of patience, belief, and the enduring spirit of a champion.
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